Weekly journal-miner., 1919-06-11
LABOR SHORTAGE FELT IN FEW
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PHOENIX, Ariz., May 27.-There | is less unemployment in Arizona than . in any state in the union; and there lis greater demand for skilled labor n this state than for many months past
 The above information was given to the Associated Press today by responsible official, who has made an exhaustive study of labor employ ment and living conditions, not only in Arizona but throughout the coun- try.
 Despite the fact that from 7,500 to 10000 men nave been thrown out of employment in the state since the copper companies commenced cur tailing production following the sign ing of the armistice, there is still a demand for skilled mine workers. It. further stated that this demand is slightly greater than the supply.
 The explanation given is that the men who left, forseeing a cut in the mine forces, or who were discharged all had been earning high wages throughout the war period and now are taking vacations either at the coast or elsewhere beyond the boun- diaries of Arizona.
 The copper companies, it is said which are estimated to represent 65 to 70 per cent of the assessed valua- ton of the state, gradually are be- coming readjusted to postwar con ditions The pendulum of employ ment, which swung to the extreme minimum with the signing of the armistice, is stated to be slowly com ing back and this, in part, is held responsible for the demand for skilled help. Of common labor there lis reported to be a supply equal to. if not greater than the demand.
 In the cotton fields of the Salt River valley, where a crop conserva- lively estimated at $14,00000O is said to have been raised last season, a grave labor shortage is declared to be in prospect when the demand reaches its peak next September. For this condition a curious explanation is given.
 Heretofore Arizona cotton fields have drawn heavily on Texas for labor, and have been fairly we'll sup piled from that state, particularly when a thought cut down the de mand there. This year, however Texas is said to be expecting to gar ner a bumper cotton crop and 1t isl feared that the Lone Star state, not only will use its own hands, but reach into Arizona for more.
 The statement has been made by men closely identified with the Salt River valley cotton industry that un less conditions change next Septem- Der will find the cotton fields facing shortage of labor running from 5000 hands upward.
 In every other branch of agricul- ture the same thing is found and far mers daily are calling in vain on the government and other employment bureaus for help.
 In the northern part of the state, the seat of Arizona's lumber indus try. there is reported steady de mand for i1elp which IS meeting with fair supply.
 The building trades, electricians, engineers and other branches Of skilled labor all tell of fair conditions with considerable work on hand and more in prospect.
 Living costs throughout the state are asserted to be 75 per cent higher than before the outbreak of hostili- ties in Europe. Figures taken from survey in July. 1918, show that at that time the necessaries of life had jumped 62H to 65 per cent above normal pre-war prices Since July 1918, they are said to have gone from 10 to 12H per cent higher.
 Comparison of the prices in the mining district stores and those of other Arizona communities show prices to be about equal.
 Rent rates are said to vary in dit- ferent communities. There is said to be no increase in rents in any of the mining districts since the outbreak of hostilities. In other communities ryuts are shown to nave increased.