THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15047, 15 August 1914, Page 16

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

PRESENT CONDITIONS

(SPKCIAI. TO "THE FBESS.")

WELLINOTOX, Atigust 14

So far ac the present etato of unemploymont inunsldlled labour is concerned, particularly in regsrd to \Wllington,' iho Labour" Department ia continuing to send men to road works in tho Paliiat.ua district. Parties left form Wellington, Palmerston North, and Napier lor Pahiatua laat Wednesday, and a further party of 24 men is being sent next week.

In. rospect to unemployment elsewhere in Aew Zealand, einular arrangejnents are being matio to find work tor moil used to uoavy manual labour. It Jβ anticipated that the Public Works Department will be able to place all able-bodied labourers in employment through the agency of tho Labour Department's Bureau. PRICES COMPARED. In order tb form a basis for comparison, the Libour Department haa ascertained tho prices of various standard articles in cities and towns of tho Dominion at tho Ist August just prior to tho outbreak of war. It is proposed to publish tho list in tho next issue of the Labour "Journal, ,, where it may be consulted from tiino to time by persons interested to find what rises firo taking place. As compared with tlio ruling retail prices at March Ist, tho present liet shows on tho whole a slight reduction in the majority of towns. For instance, flour has dropped at Palmereton North from 3s 3d to 3s a'2slb bag. and sugar from 10s 3d .to 9s, a sb'lb bag. There have been small rises in sonfc quarters in coffeo and ten. Wellington, However, does not appear, to have shared in tho reduction. Flour has risen from 3s to 3s Ud a bap;, and sugar from 9h 3d to 9s 6d a 501b bag. Oatmeal, has'dropped elighfcly from 4s 3d to la a bag.