BETTER TIMES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 115, 16 May 1936, Page 16

BETTER TIMES.

BUILDING TRADES., MANUFACTURERS BUSY. INDUSTRIAL BAROMETER UP. While many business men are doubtful about the ultimate result of the new legislation being passed by the Government, the general view is that for a short period at least there will be a boom. This is only to be expected when the various schemes under the Public Works policy are set in motion, and considerably more money is distributed among the workers than for a number of years. With more money in their possession the people will be in a position to spend more freely, although, perhaps, with the inevitable rise in prices, they may not receive much benefit in values.

An indication that times have definitely improved is provided in the "wanted" columns of the "Star." A glance through the files shows that nob long ago jobs, other than those for boys and girls, or for salesmen prepared to work on commission, rarely figured in the "wantede," but to-day the position is very different, and jobs for skilled tradesmen are constantly being advertised. Perhaps there are not a great many, but even 60, the fact that there are vacancies is distinctly encouraging. It ie held that the prosperity of a country is indicated by the state of the building industry, and in this respect it ie interesting to note that carpenters, bricklayers, and sawmill hands are wanted. Most of tile carpenters required are for country jobs, but first-class men are not easy to get for out-of-town work, as there ie considerable building going on in the city and suburbs. The permits issued by the Auckland City Council for buildings last month were just double in value those issued for April of last year, and already the indications are that the present month will be a good one. Also encouraging are the numerous advertisements for girls for clothing factories. Work for tailoresses and shirt ,machinists, experienced hands, are being constantly advertised, and it is said firstclase workers in these particular avenues have no difficulty in securing employment. There is also a constant demand for domestics and farm hands. Peculiarly enough there is the other eide, and while employers are advertising for hands there will be found daily as many, if not more, unemployed advertising for positions. It would be expected that one would offset the other, but apparently things do not work that way. However, one thing ie certain — there is more work offering to skilled workers to-day than for some years past.