THE LABOR MARKET.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12259, 9 June 1914, Page 2

THE LABOR MARKET.

Following is the local Labor Agent's report, dated May 28: —... . - ■'■ The favorable report submitted last month appenis to have been very satisfactorily maintained during May, and whereas in former years this season has generally witnessed a slackness in very many trades, there are at present several enquiries on hand for workers of various callings, some half-dozen of whom could be easily, placed in Oamaru. Tailors and dressmakers report that this is one of the best years on record so far as they are- concerned, and ail hands in both trades, and in millinery, have been kept in employment, while, there are still good prospects for the winter time. A number of shops are having their fronts altered, while several large buildings -ire in course of erection, with the result that the building trades are busier here than in any other part of Otago. Building Trades—Carpenters and joiners and painters are particularly busy, several important jobs being in hand'.' Plasterers arc- busy. Plumbers and easfitters report that several orders are on hand awaiting fulfilment. Stonemasons are particularly busy, new contracts having been .started,, and there are the brightest of prospects for .several weeks ahead. Wood-working Trades. —Cabinetmaking and upholstering are not so bright as at last report, .hut all hands are kept in work. Sash and door factories are doing a brisk trade, and all workers are engaged. Sawmilling is also in a very satisfactory condition. Engineering " Trades. Agricultural implement-makers are slack. All other branches of the engineering trades are very hright owing to the large number of building contracts on hand requiring girders and other heavy iron work. Leather Trades.—Root-making factories report excellent business for the period, and there are.enquiries for one fitter and one machinist in the upper trade, while a youth could also he placed at this trade. Pteports go to show that business is being restricted owing to the severe lack of assistants. Repair shops, as is usual in this season, are very brisk. Saddlers and harnessmakers "state that they have also been particularly busy, arid"™qriW firm expresses difficulty in complying with orders for new" goods and for repair work. " -'■■' Clothing Trades.U-Dressmaking and millinerv.' Whereas .in former years at this time, liands are,usually put off before the end of May, all firms report that there are still sufficient orders in hand to keep everyone engaged for some time. The same applies to'tailoring, in which trade enquiries are being made for a good vest band. Woollen milling is brisk. .: Retail Trades. —In trrerelothing trade the coming of winter-lias, meant good business all round. There aro several large sales on-'liarid- in this line, and trade is said n<ri>S"~;exceptipnal. Drapers are also very- busy. Grocers report that the month has compared more than favorably-with' the similar period of Inst year. Printing Trades.—Both branches are bright, and all hands, are working full time. ■>.-•■ Meat Freezing. —Enquiries show that business is slackening offnow, and :it is anticipated that until the end of the season this will continue to be the case. Stock does not appear to be coming m so freely now as formerly, although all hands will be employed until the season closes. ..-■_■ Coaehbuildinrr Trades.—Blacksmiths are verv busy. In the coachbuilding trade there are enough orders m hand to keep trade in a brisk state for some time to come, and all liands will be fully employed during the winter Cycle and Motor Trades.—Although this" season is usually a slack one in this line, verv satisfactory business is reported for the month just ended, and there are the brightest, of prospects for the ensuing period. Miscellaneous.— Flour-milling maintains its verv brisk report, and in one case 24 hours per dav are being worked. The butchering trade is Tiright, and ham and bacon curing is exceptionally busy; . Unskilled Labor.— l here is. apparently no unemployment m Oamaru, only" one man having called dining the month. He was sent to the irrigation works at -Omakau. There has been a good deal of shipping in the port, which has doubtless accounted for the fact that no one has called m search or employment. ~