LABOUR MARKET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23044, 23 May 1938, Page 11

LABOUR MARKET

MANY VARIATIONS MOQE MEN FOR FARMS OFFICE GIRLS IN DEMAND SHORTAGE OF TRADESMEN With the milking season still several weeks off, it is apparent that good numbers of experienced farm hands are available lor employment. The size of the "work wanted" columns of the Herald clearly establishes that, while the Auckland Placement Service has from -10 to oO experienced men awaiting farm work. This situation is, of course, not unusual at the present period of the year; but the general labour position shows considerable variations. Much female labour of various types is now on the market, a feature being the number of girls who. attracted by the climate in the winter months, have come to Auckland from other parts of New Zealand. Higher wages for"male clerks have increased the demand for girls for office work. It is stated that girls who have no knowledge of typewriting and shorthand but who are capable of doing genera! office work now find employment with case. Scarcity of Domestics

Dismissals from clothing factories have put many girls on the labour market, but this does not mean relief to the domestic situation, for from all accounts few factory workers are prepared to undertake this class of work. It is still difficult to get general domestics for hoines, but where there is a measure of responsibility some labour appears available. Hotel work is still popular with girls, many of those attracted to Auckland from elsewhere seeking this class of employment. There is considerable inquiry for skilled tradesmen, especially in the building trade. In the footwear industry, at least two large establishments are embarrassed by tho need lor skilled male operatives. The industry, which in the past has suffered some fluctuations of prosperity, appears to have lost operatives, who in a recent period of unemployment were attracted to other branches of work. It is stated that there are now skilled operatives engaged on the wharves who have no intention of leaving that occupation. Accommodation on Farms One barrier to absorbing many men on farms is the lack of suitable accommodation for workers with families. Inquiries show that on the labour market there are not only married couples in which wives are prepared to do milking or housework, but also many with families in which such extra assistance is not considered possible. While the statutory wage for a dairy worker is £2 os a week, advertisements show that many farmers are prepared to pay os more and even up to £3 a week for a good man. However, such wages are not attractive to many workers who would be required to maintain their families in the city. So their employment centres upon suitable accommodation, such as a separate cottage, being available on the farm.

The State subsidised scheme for youths on farms is to continue to operate in the coming season. A fair number of Auckland farmers took advantage of it last season; and its success in the North Island has been sufficient to induce the Government to extend it to the South Island as well. Employers in many occupations require youths, but there is a fair amount of- "dead end" work included in this inquiry.