THE LABOUR MARKET.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6622, 11 September 1908, Page 3

THE LABOUR MARKET.

TRADE IN WELLINGTON. Reporting on the state of the labour market in Wellington; the ouvient issue of tho “Labour Journal states: Parin'' tho mouth just ended tiade cenerullv can safely be said to have been fairly good. Employers, with tew exceptions, say that, while not quite or a* par with the corresponding mouth of last year, they have no reason t<> complain, and arc quite satisfied witli the amount of business done. A geneio.l immovement on last month hats been shown, and with the advent of spring and bettor weather, tradespeople anticipate that business will continue to improve considerably. UNSKILLED LABOUR.

At the beginning of the month the applicants for employment were very numerous, ranging at about sixty per day. Towaads the middle of the month this number fell to forty, and at the end of the month to from twenty-five to thirty-five per day. This is a considerable drop from the number applying last month. A very large number of men—viz., 311 —were assisted to work, the majority (,231) accepting Government co-onerative work. The department was in a. position to offer employment to ail able and willing workers, and at the time of writing thoro remain, places, yet to be* filled on both railway and road works. An urgent demand has been made for forty men for the North Island Main Trunk railway (central section), and private employers have also asked the department for men, eighty having been sent to this work during the period. The great majority of the men applying are single men, 253 having been assisted as against fifty-eight married men. Generally reviewing the position, it would appear that the prospect of employment for the unskilled labourer is very much brighter. The demand for farm hands still exceeds the supply—from thirty to forty hands are wanted in tho Eltham district. Towards this number the department could fini only eleven' men. Ploughmen and married couples are also in request, and some very good openings are available for the latter class. The immigrants arriving by the Mamari and Tongariro were of a splendid stamp, and no difficulty w-as experienced in placing the majority in work. Some of tho passengers who had booked from South Africa find it rather difficult to securo immediate employment, owing to the nature of their trades, such, as electricians, taxidermists, joiners, etc., and the resources of the department have been considerably taxed to find suitable openings for them. WOMEN'S BUREAU. The Wellington Bureau reports;—A total of 63 .women were assisted during tho month, 28 of whom were married. A larger number of general servants than usual—viz., 22—was assisted. Eleven housemaids. 10 charwomen, 5 kitchenn aids, 7 cooks, and 5 nurses were also found employment. Other classes assisted included married couples,-typists, housekeepers, and companions. Applications from employers have been recoivcu for blouse hands, whilst dentists' and photographers' assistants await- engagement. During tho month the steamers Mamari and Tongariro were met, and, although most of the girls aboard had employment to go to, or something in view, tho visits appear to be greatly appreciated, because of the information auJ advice tendered. The ruling rates 'of wages now asked by generals are from 15s and upwards per w'oek, In the city; an increased wage is demanded for country work. Charwomen receive 3s for half a day, and 5s per day (with lunch, etc.); housemaids, 15s; kitchenmaids, 14s 6d to 17s, 6d; and ladyiielps,’ 15s. It is pleasing to report that the girls assisted appear to be a very good class. Every effort is made to suit the employer with suitable girls, and strict inquiries are made as to the cause of leaf ing employment, so that the merits of eacn case might be known for future reference, and those girls who continually change from place to place without reasonable excuse run. the risk of being black-listed.