THE LABOUR MARKET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13834, 22 February 1907, Page 3

THE LABOUR MARKET

As was only to bo expected from the holiday season (reports the Labour Department's Journal for February) trade and business generally in Dunedin during the past month revived considerably. Shopkeepers and others are well satisfied with the turnover, the only matter complained of being the unusual amount q{ credit looked for. Tradesmen, both inside and outside workers, made good time owing to the fine weather, whilst unskilled labourers have been slightly more difficult to place than usual, owing to the fact that there is a decided preference on tho part of the worker for work in the town. Still, it is safe to assert that many single men could with ease obtain employment in tho country if they felt so inclined. Manufacturing industries generally continue very fair, with tho 6inglo exception of bootmaking. In this line business is exceedingly quiet; while building trades of every description have continued busy during the month, and seem likely to continue in that condition for some time to come. Agricultural implement manufacturers arc, as anticipated, experiencing a lull that is likely to continue for another two or three weeks. Carpenters and joiners are still busy. There are good openings for competent hands, and no difficulty is experienced in obtaining employment. Bricklayers are busy, and all hands making good time. Stonemasons havo made better time than has been the case for a considerable period past; still owing to tho fact that concrete is fast supplanting stone, tho outlook for this class of tradesmen is not so bright as it would otherwise havo been. Painters: Fino weather has helped considerably to make this trade busier than was anticipated, and all hands are making fair time. Plasterers: During tho past month work'has' not keen so lively as. has been the case for some time past, but in tho course of another few weeks there will be more work on hand than local tradesmen will bo able to overtake. Plumbers: All woikcrs fully employed; but business generally is not so brisk as it should he, and shows a fallingoff as compared with the same period of last year. Engineers in some branches are busy, and tho prospects for a few months hence are much hotter than they have been for some time past. A number of contracts have been secured by local firms, and should be the means of absorbing any surplus labour. Brass and coppersmiths are exceptionally quiet; but. on the other hand, blacksmiths and boilermakers are in good demand. Bootmalting: Trade report slates no improvement on last month. The condition of this industry is considered by experts to lie at the present time in an' exceedingly bad condition. Both manufacturers and retailors state that in their experience (some extending over a period of 30 years) they have never known it to bo worse than it is at the present time. • A long 6pell of dry weather has materially affected the sales in this line, but it is confidently expected that the preparation for the winter trade (which will commence during tho ensuing month) will help to improve matters. Brick-making: Still busy, and likely to continue so for a couple of months. All hands are working full time, and it is said that tho trade has not. been bettor during the past 12 years. Saddlery and harness: All interested aro satisfied with tho turnover; but it is fully expected that there will be a'lull, which will only bo relieved by preparations for tho harvest. There are openings for good hands. Clothing factories: Every hand has been fully occupied. Overtime has been current right through. Capable hands have been inquired for constantly. It is said that the trade is better now than it has been for tho past two years, and the introduction of several new lines hitherto imported has been the means of keeping constantly employed a large number of employees. Shop tailoring: Christmas trade was exceptionally good, and, contrary to .expectations, has still kept up, and at the time all hands are kept going. Coachbuilding shows a marked improvement on many past seasons. Brush and broom factories continue busy. The output is increasing. Furniture trade: Very busy, and tho future outlook still remains promising. Inquiries are continually being made for suilablo t hands. Cycle and light engineering: Season's turnover satisfactory. Sash and door factories: Working full time. There are openings in tlieso lines for competent tradesmen. Country workers of all classes are in demand; general farm hands, milkers,- and flax-millers in particular. Workers used to these lines cannot go short of employment at the present time. Unskilled labour: During the month tho number of applicants for assistance wa3 73, as against 80 last month. Of this number 41' have been placed in the employment of private employers; none have been sent to Government works. Quito a number could have been placed in tho country, but many_ are not willing to leave town. New arrivals from Homo do not appear to havo much difficulty in finding something to do. The prospects for the first few months of the new year aro exceedingly good. Notwithstanding tho slight drought experienced, it. is said that the harvest will turn out a good yield, with prices in the ascendant.. Builders will lraye some difficulty in completing contracts on hand owing to a dearth of suitable tradesmon; while tho wool clip appears to be an abundant one, with prices fairly high and firm: and, lastly, the railway duplication, the Dock Tmt works, and other public contracts will absorb a very largo section of unskilled labour.