Commercial. SKENE'S LABOR EXCHANGE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 368, 27 June 1874, Page 2

Commercial. SKENE'S LABOR EXCHANGE.

DtTNEDiN, June 25th. We have plenty of idle people in Dunedin this week ; but not idlere from choice. They are mostly new arrivals, taking a quiet look round to see what will suit them best, or what they can most easily fit into. If they keep in mind to suit themselves to anything they come across, they will do. If the main trunk line was" open they would get spread over the country quickly. Some new arrivals of the grumbling clasß have been known to refuse work at fair wages. It invariably leaves a bad impression when a new chum refuses the first chance. It is almost impossible to supply the demand for good female servants. Vacancies seem to occur as fast as filled up. Farm hands of the right sort are not to be got. A few really good people of that sort, but married, arc still to be had. The building trade seems very active, and all engaged in such are busy. Wages keep firm at the following : — For general servants, from £35 to £40, and £45 ; cooks and housekeepers get £52 and upwards ; barmaids, 30a. and found, ploughmen get readily £65 and found ; married do. (wife to help), £70 to £90. New arrivals must go on probation at lower wages. Gardeners seem fully employed, at 30s. by the week, and £70 and upwards by the year ; masons, bricklayers, and carpenters still average 14s. Bricklayers are very much hindered for want of material. Inside trades are all very busy ; young lads and girls cannot be got on any terms. The woathor tells against daymen.