Amongst the Workers.

Northland Age, 13 September 1904, Page 3

Amongst the Workers.

Mr. H. Ferguson, Inspector of Factories, Auckland, in liis last annual report, states that during the year 829 men have been assisted to work, of whom 210 were married, with 839 dependent upon them, and 013 were single; 409 were sent to Government works and 300 to private employment. In addition 21 wives (with 30 children) were also assisted to join their husbands where working. The number of those sent to private employment being 272 in excess of tbe number sent last year is an indication that private employers are becoming more conversant with the advantages of applying to this Department for workers.

As in preceding years, applications for work from skilled workers were, as a rule, limited to new arrivals—local competent workmen being generally well employed.

During the year a fair supply of labour has been open, .so that suitable workmen were in good demand. There hus been an influx of workers from the Australian Colonies, America, and Europe. Robust men used to country'-work were soon employed. There were, however, a good number seeking town and light work; in many instances with little or no experience, and physically incapable of hard manual labour. Such men find it difficult to get a start. I think it is a mistake for this class (who probably give up work at which they make a livelihood, and leave the place where they have friends to assist them) to come to a place where their sphere is naturally very limited.