THE CARPENTER.

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14027, 2 April 1919, Page 2

THE CARPENTER.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In yor.r issue of March ,23, there appeared an article upon the subject of the shortage of houses in Hamilton and other parts of the Dominion. One of the causes was attributed to the shortage of competent carpenters, which is, in the main, correct, the high cost r.nd shortiar? of building material adding to Li:" acuteness of the scarceness of housu accommodation. My letter, however, is mainly concerned with the point of view as it is seen by the average journeyman, carpenter. The shortage of carpenters is not, in my opinion, due to th*; legislation of a dozen years ago, providing for one apprentice to three journeymen. The carpenter is as essential to the community as the doctor, lawyer, merchant and farmer, almost every trade depends upon his skill, and everybody for their comfort and convenience. Jt might be supposed that an occupation of such importance would be highly remunerative, but it is not so. In relation to its importance to the community it is the worst paid trade in the Dominion. If it is impossible for the speculator to build a house to be let at a rent which would give him a fair return under present conditions, it is equally impossible for a working carpenter earning the award wage to regard his return for his time and skill as adequate. Boys are not anxious to follow so poorly paid an occupation; neither are parents interested in their future welfare desirous that they should do so, and the carpenter himself, generally speaking,

is only too anxious to quit the business at the first opportunity. The returning soldier will, If he be a competent carpenter, be ill rewarded by working at his trade, especially if he is a married man with a family. A carpenter's wages will average £4 a week (for holidays and loss of time through bad weather must be expected). He is often compelled to live away from his home; his tools are costly and heavy, his work rough on clothes and boots, and things necessary to life and comfort far exceed his means. The unskilled labourer, in many instances, equals him in pay; the bricklayer, plumber and painter are all dependent upon his skill, and could not continue long without him. There is no "go slow " policy with the carpenter, whether he be rough, medium, or fine. When he gets the chance, for which he is ever longing, he goes farming, takes a milk round, drives a bread cart, or turns small storekeeper, any of which occupations pay him better than toiling round the country with a heavy kit upon his back and a light pocket.—l am, etc. R.B.S. Hamilton, March 31, ,1919.