LOCAL LABOR CONDITIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1916, Page 7

LOCAL LABOR CONDITIONS.

BUSINESS SATISFACTORY* AGENT'S MONTHLY REPORT, In his Departmental report concerning labor conditions in New Plymouth for the month of October, the local agent (Mr. W. J. Wakelin) states that trade generally has undergone very little change. In the building trades, the satisfactory conditions reported last month have been maintained. Some large jobs are nearing completion, however, and it is anticipated that- the firms concerned will shortly be discharging hands. The furniture trade is remarkably good, in fact the supply of labor is not equal to the demand. Tradesmen. and lads desiring to learn the trade can be placed. The dairying industry id now almost in full swing and the prospects for the season are particularly bright. The freezing works arc closed down at present but are expected to reopen in a week or two. ' ' 3UILDING TRADES. !

A fair amount of work was to be had at bricklaying. Conditions in connection with carpentry and joinery were good. The painting trade has continued brisk, and a difficulty is experienced in obtaining journeymen. Plastering has been good, and satisfactory business is reported in the plumbing and gas-fitting trades. Cabinet-making and upholstering ' has been very satisfactory and tradesmen can be placed. Situations are open for lads as apprentices. The sash and door factories havo been very busy, and overtime has been worked.

' SHOP WORKERS Ptepair work lias been engaging the attention of boiler-makers and iron and brass-moulders. Trade has been very good in electrical engineering and the fitting and turning trade is very satisfactory. In the leather trades, a good deal of work is being done, and the bootmaking factories require more hands. DETAIL BUSINESS; GOOD. Jiyceptionally good business is being done in the dressmaking and millinery, and hands are needed in the shirt-mak-ing business The factory tailoring trade has been quiet, but there appears to be a shortage of operatives in South Taranaki in the tailoring shops where orders are taken. A slight falling oft in the retail clothing trade was reported in October. The business in boots and drapery has been fair. Business has been brisk, in the grocery concerns, and good asistants can be placed. The printing trades are very busy. The cycle and motor trades have been busy in repair work. Only a few sales have been recorded. Agricultural operations aro active, and a few good farm hands coukl be placed. The aerated water making business is exceptionally quiet for this time of th; year. UNSKILLED LABOR.

Reporting on unskilled labor, the agent said that during the month the Railway Department discharged several hands at Smart road, owing to the completion of the new freezing works siuings, hut these men have since been placed. A number of large jobs are nearing conv pletion and in consequence the firms concerned will shortly be discharging hands. It is not feared, however, that these will have difficulty in obtaining employment, *" —.-