SHORTAGE OF LABOUR

Otago Witness, Issue 3005, 18 October 1911, Page 27

SHORTAGE OF LABOUR

SYDNEY, October 10.

An interim report by the Labour Commission has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly. It states that although both sides admitted that a shortage existed, it was early apparent that there was an abundance of unskilled labour available, except navvies for railway construction. There existed, however, a great and permanent need for the introduction of skilled workers owing to such people not taking the risk of coming unless guaranteed work. The report details seriatim the trades affected by the inquiry, ar.d refers only to those in connection with which evidence wiftfi tendered. The Commissioners found that the introduction of new skilled labour would result in a great increase in the general body of work and the attainment of stability in industries. One apparent aspect' of the scarcity of labour is that people already here are unable to get house accommodation.

After reviewing in detail a large number of industries, the report sums up by stating the actual immediate requirements of skilled labour as 3247 men. Ihe inquiry opened on June 14, and the Commission is still sitting. October 11. The interim report of the commission on the shortage of labour has caused consternation among the trades unions. Half the secretaries of the Various' unions declare that a large number of members are out of work.

Mr M'Gowen declared that during the last year khe present Government had spent £40,000 on immigration, which was more than previous Governments had expended. This year he proposed to spend £60,000. He will, institute a system of nomination in certain occupations where employment can be guaranteed without displacement of the labour already engaged. He says that a general immigration scheme is a matter for the Federal Government.

Contrary to the Trades Hall protest, the president of the Chamber of Manufacturers declares that the Labour Commissioners erred on the side of prudence in their estimate of the number of men required.