CLERKS TURNING MECHANICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1923, Page 4

CLERKS TURNING MECHANICS.

HIGHER WAGES LURE. NEW YORK, March 2d. The United States since the war has become the El Dorado of skilled mechanics and workmen. According to a report just is-ued by the Department of Labour, unompdoyment for these who labour with their hands is now practically non-existent. Everywhere a shortage of workers in factories is increasingly discernible. This gratifying condition, so strikingly in contrast with the stale ol affr.iis in Europe, is leading to a curious social revolution-. Tile nude clerk, abandoning his old-fashioned notions of respectability, is discarding “the badge of the white collar” and donning in it.s stead overalls. After generations of well-clothed indigence, he has discovered that a manual occupation offers him ft life infinitely more cate-free and decidedly more prosperous than a seat at an office desk. GIRLS’ COMPETITION

The emancipation of the clerk is due to two factors the restriction of immigration and the competition offered by legions of capable girl stenographers and typists. It is evidenced by ti e sudden appearance, in New York and other large cities, of numerous schools of training organised by the Y.M.C.A.. by the .Knights of Columbus, and by the Bureau of Veterans. In these establishments may l-e scum thousands of clerks ami small business men who are taking classes i*ii electrical installation, plumbing, lighting, and other crafts. “|..uini trades that will pay you good wages” i- the advice given b.v the Vocational Advisory Board to the huge brigade of clerical workers.

The .soundness of this advice is idtested by the advertising tolumus cl the newspapers, which show that accountants and clerks asking only £•"> a week are at a. discount in the market. whereas bricklayers, plumbcis, welders, plasterers and similar people u-.re being eagerly sought at wages ranging from Cl to £.‘i a day.