UNEMPLOYMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3513, 12 July 1921, Page 47

UNEMPLOYMENT.

POSITION IN CHRISTCHURCH. “ IMPOSSIBLE TO GET WORK.” (From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, July 5. Sixty-four men, ex-soldiers, and some of them seriously weakened in health, were looking for jobs to-day in Christchurch, and unable to find them. Most of them are unskilled, but skilled or unskilled, there was nothing for them to do. Visits to various parts of the city by officers of the Repatriation Department have disclosed plenty of sympathy, but not a single offer of practical he Ip. All morning men have been coming to the Repatriation Department looking for something to do, and earn a few shillings, but have gone away disconsolate. Inquiries at the Trades Hall disclosed the position regarding unemployment amongst general labourers, which was no better than it had been amongst skilled workers. Many * stationary engineers were seeking jobs partly owing to the closing down of the freezing works and partly to the increasing use of electricity. Approximately 10 per cent, of the men in this trade, it was said, are idle. There has been an improvement, however, in the printing trades, but unemployment amongst tailors and bootmakers is still extensive. - At the Government Labour Department it. was stated that there were 67 general labourers out of work during the past week, and seven men additional who were fit only for light work. The Repatriation Department also reported 26 general labourers idle, and 28 light workers. Only 30 men have been placed during the week, but there has been an improved demand. As against this there has been a large increase in the number of applications to the department.