THE LABOR BAROMETER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3720, 4 January 1913, Page 8

THE LABOR BAROMETER.

ITS UPS AND DOWNS IN GISBORNE. A HALF-YEARLY RESUME

A perusal of the Labor Department’s Journals for the past six months discloses some interesting information.. statistical and otherwise, in relation to the labor market in Gisborne. The following figures show the number of applicants who inquired at the Gisborne office and the number who were assisted during the past six months:—

Those Assisted. July, 34—4. August 64—4. “An order for 20 men for the Public Works Department will relieve the pressure this month,”, is an appended remark.

September. S2—3l. “The Star of Canada,” the report states, “promises to give employment to a "large number.”

October, 32.—N0 demand and no men placed. November, 23—3. December 23—4.

Co-operative Works

On co-operative works in the Gisborne district, artisans and iaborers were employed in the following numbers: Gisborne-Motu railway, "NnpiorGisborne railway (first north and then south end) and roads being given in order:—

July, 10 and 288; 0 and 66; 7 and Sr.

August, 110 and 322; 1 and 03; 3 and 62 ; 6 and 412. September, 8 and 323; 2 and I; 4 .and 88; 5 and 395. October, 9 and 345; 3 and 154; 4 and S 6; 3 and 359. November, 9 and 329; 3 and 135; 4 and S 3; 3 and 252. December, 7 and 306; 2 and 113; 3 an - 25 : 2 and 224. The Monthly Statements.

The pith of the monthly reports on conditions prevailing in Gisborne is contained in the following paragraphs : June.— The satisfactory position with regard to all kinds of skilled labor reported during the last few months continues. There has been an unusual demand for this class of labor in nearly all branches of the building trade. Unskilled labor: During the month 27 men have applied for employment and 15 have been assisted. Very few applications have been received for men in the country, with the exception of bush-feller*. There will be a considerable amount of felling going on in the backblocks during the- winter, and already a considerable number of men have secured employment for that class of work

duly.—Since last report there lias been a considerable falling-off in the building trades, although c o far there lias been no lack of employment for competent men. Unskilled labor: Very few applications have been received for men, but there is still some bushfelling to be taken and skilful men in this line seem rather scarce. ■S.j far as the position of s;nsK:ll-<! labor is concerned generally men are st’cr.g.v advised not, to jo-'.-'c ■ in re until the spring. The closing-down of the freezing works, the local drainage and other works being nearly completed. and the general slackening-off of work in the country due to the winter season, will make it somewhat difficult to find employment for the men alreadv here.

August.—The condition in the labor market during the last month has not altered very much. The building trade has brightened up again, and. judging from the amount "f work coming out. will be exceedingly busy in all its branches for some time to come. Unskilled labor: So far as the general)' position is concerned, work for laboring-men will undoubtedly be scarce until the country is opened up for the spring season. September.—Building trades have kept up remarkably well, and in the carpentering branch there have been inquiries for men. Painting, plastering, plumbing and gasfitting still keep busy, and one or two hands have Imen inquired for in the painting and paperhanging trade.

October.—There has been a slight decrease in the number of applicants for w-ork during the month. Labor conditions have improved since last report, and may be considered satistactovy for the time of year. Inure have been several applications from settlers for farm hands, ploughmen, and milkers, which the Department has been unable to supply. There is no change in the condition of the retail trades since last month, but-as the time of the annual show approaches business will probably improve considerably. Unskilled labor: During the. month 32 men have applied for work, but there has been no demand for labor, and the Department has been unable to find employment for them: as very few have made a second application there is no doubt some have found employment in the country. The future outlook for this class of labor in the district is good. November.—The conditions of trade and labor have improved slightly during the month-; no doubt this is to some extent due to the show and race week. The spring has been good. The freezing works are now opening, and the dairying season is in full operation, so that from now onward men should find no difficulty in obtaining employment in any class of labor for the balance of the-season. Unskilled labor: During the month 23 men have applied for work, hut the demand has so far been small, and the Department has been able to find employment only for three. Notwithstanding this, it is not- anticipated that there will be any dearth- of employment for unskilled laborers for some months to come.

December.—The improvement reported last month still continues. As the season is opened increased employment has been found for alb classes of labor. The excellent prices realised for all commodities .produced in the district has nut the settlers in good* heart, the result being that there is no scarcity of labor and there is not likely to be any for some time to come. Although the number of applications for employment- is the same as last month, very few of these have made a second application, and it- is fair to, assume that they have found employment independent of the Department’s efforts.