OUT OF WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11028, 17 March 1914, Page 1

OUT OF WORK.

MANY UNEMPLOYED NOW. WINTER PROSPECTS SAID TO BE SERIOUS, "Over two hundred unskilled workers are out of employment in Christchurcb at present" was the statement made by Mr E. Howard, secretary of the General Labourers' Uiiioit, yesterday, and inquiries made to-day by a "Star reporter would go to suggest that his estimate is by no means too great. ■ Skilled- trades, with the exception of the carpenters, are fairly busy, but building operations in Christohurch are not brisk, and with the approach: of winter it has been found that applicants for jobs are many. To tho office of the City Electrical Engineer alone there have been twenty-two applicants in the past eight days, and those who engage labour for. the' municipality state that indications show the presence of niany on of work. At the office of the City Surveyor there have been applications, although tho number is not considered to be abnormal for this time of the year. It is thouglit that as soon as the City Council commences the work-of cablelaving the oportunities for engaging men will be larger than they are now. Amongst the builders it is stated that the prospect for the unskilled' labourer diirins the winter is not bright, and that it is quite possible that the numbers of unemployed- will be large. Labour organisations are commencing to consider the position seriously, though I.bey look forward to the start of the bridging over ihe Kowai Hirer, on the way to Kaikoura. as a means of supplying an outlet for n limited number of labourers. One laboor sec.rctarv has stated thai, fhe unemployed trouble in .Christchurcb ibis winter will b n . more acute than it has been for nianv vcars. and he has taken the large number i'f mm out a I present; as a confirmation oi his view. Ihe two hundred mentioned hy .Mr Howard, he. mi id, were in i lie eity. and did not include any ni'Mi who could uol get v. en (be wharves under the present of a*'n:■