DUNEDIN LABOUR EXCHANGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1905, 25 May 1888, Page 10

DUNEDIN LABOUR EXCHANGE.

A meeting of the board of advice, held on Fridaywas attended by Dr Hislop (chairman), MessrsLogan, Martin, Kaitland, and Allan (secretary.) The following report of the proceedings since last meeting was read by the secretary:— "Applications for work from 94 married and 12 single men of the unemployed class were received at thii office and. duly registered. On making an investigation into the character aud circumstances of the applicants, I found that a large majority of them were men of good character, who were thrown out of employment in consequence of the contracts on the Otago Central railway being finished, and the stoppage of the Harbour Board workß. A number of genuine cises of distress came under my notice, alt being through want of employment. The men are both able and willing to work, but cannot get anything to do at any price. Immediately after the meeting of the board on the 10th inst., Mr Ussher wired to the* Public Works department at Wellington that from. 70 to 80 men. had made application to me, and asked for instruotions as to'the locality where work was to. be provided. A reply was only received yesterday morning to the effect that work would be provided for such men as the bureau recommended; on the Otago Central railway and Hindou road. Letters from the Public Works depart- • meut rt work for the unemployed 'flic submitted for • the consideration of the board. In accordance with the resolution of the board at its last meeting, I have despatched to the railway stations a number of, posters intimating the re-opening of the bureau. I shall also, as soon as posdble, place myself in communication with employers of labour throughout the provincial district. Already the applications received, from employers for country labour ,hay» beeo, 1 ploughman, 2 milkers, 1 groom; registei»<it~H ploughman, 1 blacksmith, 1 gardener, 2 euginearsiJi rabbiter, 1 cook, 2 lads ; engaged— l ploughman «fc. > 15s per week, 1 lad to milk and drive at 12s per i week." I The secretary's report was adopted. Satisfaction* was expressed that the Government had at length been able to provide work for a numberjof the unemployed, and, also, that private employers had already begun to make engagements through the bureau; and a hope was expressed that this branch of thei bureau's operations will be bo extended as to relievo the pressure upon Government relief works. It was resolved that the secretary be directed to use all diligence to select for the first batch of workmen to be sent to Hindon on Tuesday, the 22nd inst., those men whose cases are the most neoeaesitous and urgent.