UNEMPLOYMENT

Southland Times, Issue 20081, 19 January 1927, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT

LAST YEAR’S FIGURES

A REMARKABLE CONTRADISTINCTION

SKILLED AND UNSKILLED LABOUR

An analysis of the unemployment figures for the year just closed shows one remarkable contradistinction, in that while the skilled artisans had practically a record twelve months, as far as the number out of work was concerned, the unskilled men were in a considerably less fortunate position. Indeed, the figures supplied by the Government labour Bureau show that no fewer than 2,376 registrations for the year as against 1,283 in 1925, an increase of 1,093. It is possible, however, that the return of many of the Exhibition workers was to a great extent responsible for this total. The figures for each month are as follow, those for 1925 being given in parentheses:—January, 103 (54) ; February, 98 (54); March. 270 (86); April, 199 (89); May 383 (161); June, 285 (125); July, 287 (145); August, 237 (155); September, 201 (157); October, 155 (94); November, 111 (91); December, 57 (72). Totals—--2,386 (1.283). It will be seen that May, June, July an<l August were the worst months in each year, the month of May, 1926, showing the highest number of registrations of the whole compilation, the number for that month being 383 as against 161 during the same month of the preceding year. The figures quoted, however, must not be taken as the actual number of men seeking employment, as a groat many names would be carried forward from week to week, and in some cases, unfortunately, from month to month. However, as far as the registrations are concerned the figures quoted offer an interesting comparison with fast year, when it is presumed that the same number of re-reeistrations were made. As stated before, the skilled labourers had a much better time. Mr T. Pro van, secretary of the Carpenters’ and Painters’ Union, has expressed the opinion several times that the last two years were record ones as far as Southland was concerned. There is no shortage of skilled tradesmen at the present time, and work offering is satisfactory and he Is looking forward to a most satisfactory year. Although the unemployment question in Southland never reached such a stage as to render necessary the calling of public meetings to consider the matter, the Borough Council was fortunate in being able to borrow £11,700 from the Government. With £5OOO of this sum in hand the Council was in a position to commence the excavation work for the tepid baths, and this was responsible for a decided easing of the position as far as Invercargill was concerned. The balance of the loan, £6,700, has, of course, to be raised before the end of June. In addition to the excavation work aforementioned, ' drainage work is at present being undertaken at the baths, while street improvements have been carried out in Wellington and Tweed streets. Sewerage work and water reticulation are also being undertaken at present. Besides these works there is also what is known as the Returned Soldiers’ Scheme. By this scheme the funds accruing through the Poppy Day and street day collections are subsidised by the Council, the total being used for the relieving of unemployment among the members of the association.