TRADE AND LABOUR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1231, 13 September 1911, Page 3

TRADE AND LABOUR.

.4 I DEPARTMENT'S REPORT. The Labour Journal's report on trado conditions in Wellington during August is as follows:— Trado conditions during tho Inst month have been very fair. Jn the same month of last year thero had been a long succession of wet Saturdays; this handicap to tho retail trades has not obtained this yoar. Reports from shopkeepers for August hnvo consequently been considerably brighter in tone, and thero is every indication of this standard being maintained for some. time. In the drapery and clothing trades the bright weather has enforced a demand for spring goods earlier than usual, causing a considerable improvement, particularly in the dressmaking, millinery, and order-tailoring j workrooms. Boot and clothing factories have had a busy month, but there are now signs of a slight falling away from the activity which has prevailed for the last twelve months. The improvements reported last month in the engineering trades has been fairly well maintained. Woodworking factories have been kept going, but trade is not brisk. With the exception, perhaps, of painting and plumbing, the building trade shows no improvement on tho previous month's report, and at present there is nothing in sight to anticipate any substantial betterment. Building trades: Bricklaying—There has been a slight falling-off during the month, but sufficient work still offers to give all competent tradesmen fairly permanent employment. Carpentry and joineryTrade has been below the average, aud a few men have been idle. Painting—Probably on account of the 'good weather considerable work has offered, and from now on to the end of tho season this healthy state of trade is expected to continue. Plastering—Trade is not brisk, but competent men "have been kept going during the month. Plumbing and gasfitting--Although building is not particularly active, repair and other work has offered freely, and employers report that trade is very good. Stonemasonry—There has been an inquiry during the month for good tradesmen. Woodworking trades: Cabinetmaking— Although one firm has advertised for cabinetmakers; the reports received showtrade to be quiet, hands being employed chiefly making up stock. Upholstering has been good. Boxniaking and coopering continue busy, all hands being fully employed. Sash and door factories and sawmilling—Thero lias been an improvement since the previous month, and employers expect this to increase; there is no call, however, for extra hands, and not likely to bo for some time. Wood-turn-ing—Owing to the demand for furniture with square legs and finishings, trade is now much quieter. Engineering trades: The healthy Conditions reported last month have been well maintained. Brass and copper smithing— All hands .have been kept in full work. Boilerniaking—Trade is. busy all round. Fitting and .turning;— Although all hands are reported working, there has been a slight falling-off in trade. Iron and brass moulding—A very good month is reported, particularly in the brass work. liangemaking—Briskness has continued, but the end of tho busy season is now approaching, and quieter trade is soon expected. Electric engineering—Several largo country contracts have been received, giving trade a considerable impetus and creating a demand.for competent hands. Leather trades: Bootmaking factories have continued at high pressure, but at time of writing there are signs of a slight slackening. Boot-repair shops have had a busy month. Saddlery and harness-making -The excellent conditions reported last month havo continued during August. The demand for dairy farm hands has steadily increased both for men and boys user] to tho work, but tho supply has not been oqual to the demand. Twenty men have been placed at this class of work, whilst thero were openings for moro than double, tho number if tho workers had been available. The inquiries for bushfellers havo fallen off. Dealing generally with the winter season, it may bo said that it has been ono of the best for many years, as there have been fewer applicants and very little distress amongst local unemployed. If the Department has been unable to find work for men locally there have- always been openings available, in the country districts. Skilled tradesmen appear to have been fairly well employed in Wellington throughout the winter, but a good djal of time has been lost owing to the jobs offering being merely of a casual nature. Tlowever, local men have evidently had confidence in the future, as they" could not be induced to take up more permanent positions in such towns as Wanganui, Palmcrston North. Napier, and Hastings. Tho outlook for the conv'ng spring and summer is exceedingly bright, and any man anxious and willing to work should cot be idle. During the period work has been found for 1-11 men (13 married and 93 single), wifn 120 dependents. Eighty of the men wero sent to private employment, and 61 to Government works. The total shows an increase of 11 ove: tho July period.