THE LABOUR MARKET.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 14167, 15 September 1906, Page 2

THE LABOUR MARKET.

The following reports with reference to the labour market in Canterbury appear in the “ Journal of the Department of Labour,” published on September 6:—

Christchurch.—There is practically no change in the condition of trade and the labour market during the last month, except that trade generally wears a more cheerful aspect than last month. Factories are all working full-banded, and there is evidence that they will shortly become busy, as several, especially dressmakers, are increasing their staff in anticipation of a difficulty in getting hands when they are really wanted. Shirtmakers are also in demand, the manager of a large factory stating that he has a difficulty in getting even learners. Building trade is still active, and is likely to continue so for some time to come. There are no unemployed in any branch of the trade calling at this office (except stonemasons), and there is no ; demand for them here. Plasterers are all employed. In fact, the impression received from the general appearance of the trade is that it is in a highly satisfactory condition. Engineering trade is working full-handed, and is in a very satisfactory condition. A few good fitters are required in the agriculturalimplement trade, but local men are preferred. Boot trade is fairly busy, i.e., in normal condition. Clothing-fac-tories are busy. Order tailoring not very busy, but the condition is an improvement on last month’s report. Dressmaking: Several establishments are busy, and are increasing their staff with a view to a ■continuance of the present activity. Woollen-mills busy in all branches except hosiery, which is still quiet. Furniture and cabinetmaking busy. Carriage-building busy. Brickmakers still busy. Agriculturalimplement makers fairly busy, working full-handed. Saddlery and harnessmaking rather quiet. Retail trade: Apparently very ‘good business is being don© in all branches of trade, and tradesmen express themselves as being satisfied . with the condition of trad© generally. Unskilled labour: There has been a slight increase in the number of applicants for work during the month, and a decided increase in the number sent to work. On© hundred and six men have been Sent to work—viz., forty-three married, and sixty-three single. They include one blacksmith, one carpenter, two cooks and bakers, four farm labourers, on© hotel hand, three riveters, three enginefitters, One iron-moulder,- on© stonemason and eighty-nine labourers. ■ Ashburton.—Building trades: These trades, as mentioned in my last report, have been, hampered by bad weather; but, with finer weather and the prospect of more buildings going up in the near future, a brighter and busier time is looked forward to. Engineering trade: This branch of trade is still fairly good. All hands are employed. Clothing trade (factories); The woollenfactory is still busy making up orders. Retail trade: Groceries are doing about the general run of business), clothing not quite so brisk as last month, boots fairly good. Miscellaneous: Dressmakers, tailors and milliners' still well employed; saddlers and harnessmakers only medium, this being their slack time'; coachbuilders, tinsmiths and upholsterers only fairly busy; fellmqngers, blacksmiths, and brickmakers are kept well employed; cabinet-makers, wheelwrights and coach-painters fairly busy. On the whole, taking into consideration the wet weather, the large sales taking place during the period, and the week’s carnival at Christchurch, the volume of trade done must be fairly satisfactory to all concerned. Unskilled labour: One applicant only for the month.

Timaru.—Building trades; Still busy, but not quite so rushed as of late, but from the amount of work in architects’ hands another busy slimmer is anticipated. Engineering trade and agri-cultural-implement making keep fairly busy and much better than previous winters. Sash and door factory joiners : This trade has fallen off considerably during the month, but confidence is felt that it is only a temporary lull. Boot; trade (factories) is in a fairly satisfactory condition, both men and women making full time so far, but there is not the volume of orders homing, in. that ought to be the casfe. Woollen factory: Still full of orders. Clothing trade (factories): This branch of trade keeps jibing wonderfully well considering it is just between the seasons. All female workers are making full time. Tailoresses are in short supply. One firm has brought some over from Sydney. Retail trade generally quiet. Miscellaneous; Painters only partially employed. Plumbing and gasfitting on the quiet side, but all making good time. Coachbuilders busy. Blacksmithing fairly good. Saddlery and harness making very quiet and several’ men idle. Unskilled labour: There has been a general slackness in the labour-mar-ket during the month, but mot more so than is generally felt during the winter months. Nino men have been sent to private and Government works during the period.