LABOUR.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13110, 19 May 1911, Page 2

LABOUR.

CONDITIONS IN NELSON

Reporting in the "Journal of the | Department of Labour," on the condition of employment and trade in Nelson during last month, the Inspector of Factories (Mr. S. Tyson) states, inter alia^ that retailers report business as very fair; the wet weather experienced "during the latter part of the month somewhat depressed trade, chiefly amongst the smaller shop-keep-ers, but the larger firms report good business. Most manufacturing trades have been kept busy and at tho present time have sufficient work to keep all operatives fully employed. Unskilled labour has been fairly plentiful and employment has bren found for all applicants. The building trade continues to improve, and there are few, if any, tradesmen idle in town. Building trades: Bricklaying fair, men employed chiefly on small jobs. . As far as can bo ascertained no tradesmen are out of employment. Carpentry and joinery. . _ steady Improvement in trade, chiefly on snuT.l villa work in the suburbs and in general alterations and repairs; men have made full time, and there are no names on the Union's employment book. Painting branch very busy during the month, but now falling off somewhat, employers state outlook not so good as last month. Plumbing and gas-fitting not up to the usual standard, and quiet time prevails; however, employers state that there is every prospect of a revival during the cor'itip: month.

Wood-working trades: Boxmaking— ht'.nds chiefly employed making up .stock; "abinotmaldng and. Upholsterinjr, trade remarkably good, ail iiten fully rmnloyed, while in shops overtime is being worked. Sash and door factories —Although building trade improved, little betterment owing to lnr.sro stocks carried. &a\\'ihilling— Outlook promising. Engineering: No improvement. Boilermakers, quiet. Fitters, turners, .and iron-mouklers normal.

Leather trade : Bootmaking (orders) fair demand, all men have been kept busy. Repair shops report fair business, women out of emp'oyment. Saddlery and harness making, normal, with tendency to slacken. Clothing trades: Dressmaking and millinery—Brisk in all workrooms, fair amount of overtime has been worked. Tailoring (order) —Busier than was anticipated, all work rooms working up to their normal standard. Outlook for the winter months may be said to be very good. Tanners and fellmongers: Outlook remarkably good; fair business lias been clone and all tradesmen have been kept fu'.ly employed. Coach-buliding trade continues very brisk, and considerable amount of new work is being turned out by local factories and sent to country districts nnd other parts of the Dominion. There is always a considerable amount of general repair work on hand and coachbuilders and wheelwrights lose vorv little time.

Cycle and motor trades have not beon up to usual standard; sales of new machines have fallen off somewhat, and tradesmen are employed chiefly in repairs. Unskilled labour has bren fairly plentiful and the number of men calling at the office has not shown any Increase on last month; employment has boon found for all applicants, and there has beon a fair demand for farm hands and men for bushfelling. During the month 18 men were sent to private and public works.