THE LABOR MARKET.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XL, Issue 12537, 7 May 1915, Page 2

THE LABOR MARKET.

.Following is the report 011 labor conditions for Oamaru for April:— Business appears to have improved quite noticeably during the month, and very fair reports are to hand from the majority of the retail and manufacturing houses. Particularly is this true of the building trades, and the encouraging state of trade in that industry .appears to be reflected' in the general .conditions of the town. Building Trades. —Last month's conditions have been more than maintained, and there arc some two or lhre<.> very large and important works to. btv commenced, forthwith. Every branch;, of this trade is therefore in a good con-y dition, and prospects, as previously expected'. are of the brightest. Woodworking Trades. Cabinetmaking has improved. Sash and door making, sawmilling and wood turning are still bright, and prospects are good. Engineering trades remain as at last report —not vrey busy, although a slight improvement is noticeable. Leather Trades.—Boot factories are exceedingly busy, and enquiries are to hand for several workers. Repair shops continue to do good business. Saddlers and harness makers are still doing a very good trade. Clothing Trades. —Dressmaking is normal, although all hands are kept engaged. Millinery: Although the month has been a good one, there are signs of a slight slackening off towards the end of the period. Order-tailoring is slightly better, and the general report seems to bo that although so many possible customers are away, matters are much, better than was originally expected. Woollen-milling remains extra busy, and much overtime is being worked.

Retail Trades. —Clothiers and. drapers ■say that trade has been of <i medium standard. Bootsellers have had smother very brisk' month. Groceries remain normal, and ironmongery lias been extra good. Meat freezing and allied trades are working full time. 'Coach bm'kling Trades. Conditions, •as anticipated last month, have become slightly slacker, although in tile blacksmith Lng branch, trade does not appear to have declined as yet. There are several orders in hand, and enough in view to keep matters good for a month or so.

Cycle and Motor Trades.—The excellent reports submitted for some time have been fully maintained this period, ■and there is still a large quantity of work in view. Miscellaneous.—l'lourmillers are still working tweiity-i'our hours per day, and the country mills also working full time. Bacon-curing and butchering are reported to be active.

Unskilled Labor.—The number of callers has declined this month, and only ono man has been sent to work.