NEW PLYMOUTH'S INDUSTRIAL CONDITION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 159, 26 June 1908, Page 4

NEW PLYMOUTH'S INDUSTRIAL CONDITION.

The following is taken from the June Labour Journal":—

_ Trade lias been very steady and consistent since last report, Shopkeepers iu iill branches are getting a fair share of support —ipjite up to the average for this season of the year. The local grocers Jiave recently introduced the two-price system—i.e., one price for booking and a reduced cash price—ami. although the clmuge ha* been introduced only two or three weeks, the result has shown a largely-increased cash turnover. It is claimed by the grocers that the cash system will eventually prove of mutual advantage to the buyer and seller. Manufacturing trades do not show any alteration since last report. Tailoring, dressmaking, boot-manufacturing, coachbuilding, and sash and door factories are stili busy; in all of these trades apprentices are required, and great difficulty is being experienced in obtaining them. As the season is drawing to a close there is % considerable lessening of hands in the various butter and ehe.ese factories: in many factories milk is being received every second day only; therefore, halftime only is being worked. Freezingworks have, so far had a very satisfactory season—the meat-canning business especially has shown considerable expan- ' sion. There have been more applications for labouring-work than for some tijti.3 past. The supply of this class of labour at present is quite equnl to the demanl. Building Trades: Carpenters, brieklay- ! ers, plumbers, and painters are still fully employed, and it is very unusual to re- ; ceive an application for employment i.», ! any of these trades. ' Engineering trade does not show any j alteration since last report, but the tradj I cannot described a.j busy.

Boot trade: factories are still busy; a number of apprentices, both male and female, arc still required. Clothing trade: Factories are very busy indeed, and there is every prospect of a continuance. Retail trade: Groceries—Steady business is being done. Clothing—Retailers report verv satisfactory business. Boots —Xo alteration to report in this trade. Miscellaneous: Dressmakers arc still busy. Saddlers and lifirricss-niakers are fully employed. Coaelibuilders and wheelwrights are doing steady business, nit hands being fully employed. Sash and door factories slow no alteration since last report. Builders and joiners have as much work in hand as they can manage. Cycle engineers are still very busy—this trade having made great progress during tlie last few months. The meat freezing and preserving trade has so far had a very satisfactory sefc- j son, the meat-preserving pprtion of the business particularly shows an increased output compared witli previous years. Unskilled labour: There have been tt number of applications for work during I the month, in most cases from men who lare constantly on the move from place to place, and five, men liave been assisted to employment.