FURNITURE TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 128, 1 June 1936, Page 11

FURNITURE TRADE

MARKED RECOVERY

NORTH ISLAND DEMAND

The recent Census indicates that a large number of residents of the South Island have moved north, and the experience of those concerned with getting furniture workers and cabinetmakers back into industry is that many of those who travel north buy new furniture after arriving at their new homes. The demand for extra hands in some of the factories has been considerable and inquiries were made for men from the south. It was then discovered that there were tradesmen still looking for work in Christchurch and Dunedin as the trade was fairly quiet there.

When inquiries were made in Wellington six months ago there was evidence of an improvement, particularly in the cabinetmakers' trade, as the manufacture of radio cabinets was providing employment for a number of men. At the present time the position is approximately 100 per cent, better,. one factory that was employing about thirty men in the spring now having fifty engaged. There are still a number of men who have not returned to the trade, but these are mainly men who have secured other work or are not able to return for health reasons.

It was stated today that the position was also satisfactory in other North Island centres, and it is anticipated that once the Government gets its housing scheme under way the demand for furniture will be more than maintained. No explanation could be given for the slackness in the South Island apart from the possibility that families moving north were selling their furniture and refurnishing from the North Island factories.