The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1911

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3362, 31 October 1911, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1911

Victoria’s industrial Progress.

It would appear that Victoria is at present making great strides m connection with the development of her industries. This is amply shown by the fact that it is proposed by that State to arrange for the importation of 1,140 artisans, and 1100 female operatives within the next two or three months. With this object in view tv, o important officers of the Labor Depaitment- —a lady and a gentleman are now about to visit the Home Count It is stipulated that the men selected must be the best tradesmen of thenseveral kinds, and that none but capable, steady workmen will be acceptable, as “no responsibility would be taken for any who might prove inefficient, or unable to conform to requirements." The artisans selected will be not over 4d years of ago, free from any physical disability, and with at least eight years' experience at their trade, including the term of apprenticeship. Evidence as to their qualifications must be obtained from employers for whom they have actually worked, and satisfactory .statements from responsible persons as to character will be needed, as well as medical certificates. Representatives of British trade unions are to be asked to nominate applicants for approval. The employers here have nearly all undertaken that the female workers will obtain at least twelve months', and in some cases two years’, and others permanent employment. All Hhese workers must be fully skilled operatives, and those required for clothing factories are mostly machinists. In many cases firms here will authorise the Departmental officials who will visit England t-o act a.s their agent, and make contracts, “thus securing continuity of employment a.s well as desirable rates of pay." The terms of these contracts, it is stated, will be approved of in advance by tho Commonwealth Government.