THE LABOUR MARKET

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2636, 6 December 1915, Page 9

THE LABOUR MARKET

CONDITIONS IN NOVEMBER. The report of tlio Labour Department for November states that the conditions of trade and labour have been satisfactory during November. "The earnings of outdoor, workers liavo been restricted somewhat, due to spell of bad weather. However, unemployment is reduced to a minimum. The building trades are still and, 1 consequent on a large number of carpenters being absorbed on construction work at the military camps, a shortago lias existed in the city. Engineering trades also continue brisk, and skilled men in all branches have little difficulty in obtaining employment.' The textile trades are very busy, chiefly with Defence orders. Shopkeepers report trade a little quieter than the previous month; particularly does this apply to fiuicy goods dealers. • However, this period is regarded as a quiet one for most shopkeepers, as people arc saving for the approaching Christmas holidays.". Regarding unskilled labour, the report states: —"The number of callers for employment exceeded that of the previous mouth, but work was found for almost all the applicants. Increasing difficulty is found in supplying the demands made for dairying and farm workers. Several persons , have registered their names at the office for liarvesting work, but there is still opportunity for more workers who are willing to take up this work. During the period 415 persons were assisted to employment. Of these, 177 are married, and 238 single men; 79 were sent to private, and 336 to Government works. Thcso comprised carpenters, bricklayers, engine-drivers, plasterers, plumbers, painters, farm hands, hotel workers, labourers, etc. Those not assisted wero elderly men, and others not capable of performing heavy work. •Olio hundred and eighteen came from the North Island, 63 from the. South Island, 35 from the Commonwealth, 175 from Great Britain, and 26 from other places. In addition, three wives and four children wero assisted to join their relatives. Included in thoso assisted wore a number/of men vrtio have enlisted, and are waiting to be called up. Assistance has also been given in obtaining employment for several discharged soldiers who are unable to return to the front."