POSITION IN DUNEDIN.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 12015, 17 October 1904, Page 8

POSITION IN DUNEDIN.

(SPZCIAL TO "THE PBKSS."), DUNEDIN, October 15. It came with something like a shock the other day to learn "'that from 300 to 400 men are seeking work in vain In Dunedin. The present complaint, however, differs from those that in tlie back end ot the eighties threatened to become chronic- Tlie majority of those in our midst who find tlicmselves without work are not residents'of long standing." *•»« persistent booming of the town attracted large numbers of workers-from Australia and other. parte of the colony, and for a while they did not fare badly. The Drainage Board's operations and the new tramway service were able, to absorb afairly large number of unskilled labourers. But*in the nature, of -things these works had to cease at some*time."'.' They have, however, been. partially and prematurely checked, with the result that the unemployed cry has come sooner than was expected. Tlie resumption of the., tramway works will give employment for mai.y of the men, but it will "be a long while before wo hear the last of the cry. >. THE LABOUR MARKET. "The Journal of the Department of Labour" for 'October contains the following reports at to the condition of labour in Canterbury:;— Christchurch—Building trades:' Still in a very unsatisfactory condition ; a number of carpenters, are out-of work. There' is also a falling off in the brick and stone brandies; plasterers are still idle, and a number of painters unemployed. Engineering trades: Blacksmithmg and fitting still quiet; the other branches are niaking moderate time. Boot trade: This has.been about the worst month for a considerable time past; very poor time has been made. Tinsmithing and sheet-metal trades: Poor time has been made. Clothing trade:' Trade has been Unusually quiet during tho month. Retail trade (general): Only a fair business hrw been done. Mw»ccHaneouia: 'Plumbing and gasfitting trades: Much quieter than. for months past. .Saddlery- and harness trades: This trade is «till very ' quiet. Agricultural implement making: .. Fairly bu."»y all round, one firm working overtime. Tanning nnd fellmongering: Little or nothing is being done in fellmongering.: tanners and leather-workers making only indifferent This is usually; the' quietest month in the year. Unskilled labour: There is a number of unemployed here just now, many of them from other parts of the colony, who have been attracted hero • by an expected early start with electric tramway formation work. Nineteen mm have been sent to Government and private work. Aahburtoh—Building trades: Quiet in all branches.' What buildings are going up have been retarded by bad weather. Engineering trades: Not quite «> busy us last manth. Clothing trade: Woollen"factory stall working two shifts. Retail trade (general): Ordinary trade doing. Miwjcllaneoiw: With the exception of dressmakers, who are fairly busy, all other tradespeople aro very quiet, owing, no doubt, to «»o much wet and cold weather. Unskilled labour: Only two applications for employment received during the month. Tiraaru—Building .trade*: -Fairly busy, and signs of improvement. Engineering trade*: Quiet. Boot trade: Very gooi; All fully employed. Clothing trade: Fairly busy, all working full time; dressmaking, busy. Retail trade (general): Steady business doing. Miscellaneous: BlackMnithing, busy; saddlery, very quiet; coachbuilding and wheelwright ing, very busy; plumbing and ga.«-fitt ing, busy; painting, busy. Unskilled labour: Thw branch is very quiet, and a good many married men out of employment, principally owing to the two local freezing works closing down earlier this season than usual. A good many Australian.** have left the colony and gone back for the shearing. There arc many local men idle.