Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-05-16
CONDITIONS IN
THE NORTHWEST
ARE PROVED
Reports Indicate a Slight
Upward Trend of En-
ployment; a Large Over
Supply of Labor Exists.

san Francisco. Calf, May 10
Slightly improved conditions were
found in a survey made recently
of oregon, California and Wash
ington industrial conditions by the
United states department of labor,
according to a report of the sur
vey made public here by Edward
II, Aldworth, district director.
Notwithstanding the sluggish
ness which characterizes some
parts of the industries, no dlspc ST.
ton to evade recognition of exist
ing conditions is noticeable and
feelings of confidence are evident"
the report said.
DECREASED activities in the lum-
Der industry has resulted in the
idleness of an nprecedented num-
Der of men. The reopening of a
number of mills and camps this
month is affording employment to
a limited number. Production con-
tinues to be greatly below normal.
Considerable concern is being
manifested in the high 1 freight
rates by the lumber interests, fruit
and vegetable growers and bust
ness interests. Whine it is generally
conceded that general market con-
1itions and hesitanCy to purchase
at prices now prevailing are the
causes for the present depression,
the opinion expressed by many is
that an adjustment Of freight rates
would be promptly reflected by
general industrial improvement.
Reports indicate a slight up
ward trend of employment; a large
oversupply of labor exists in prac-
tically all sections of this district,
due to restricted activities in prac-
tically all industries.
Various projects now contem-
plated throughout the district, in
creased industrial activity and sea-
sonal occupations will afford en-
ployment to many. Building is
fairly active throughout the dis
trict and an ever-growing tenden-
CIV toward Individual home owner
ship has manifested itself. The in
dustries in the northwest are ac-
lively working for trade. expansion
through the new routes recently
established by the United States
shipping board.
Reports from agricultural dis
tricts of both Oregon and Wash
ington show a marked similarity.
Feeling that low-priced crops must
be produced this season a notice.
able tendency exists among many
farmers to do their own work and
to exchange labor with neighbOr-
ing farmers, with result that less
outside help is being empioyeG.
No reduction of acreage is re-
ported.
mo material increase in the use
of labor saving machinery is noted
this season. On some farms more
horses are being attached to each
gang or harrow, thus permitting
the cultivation of a larger area by
one driver. Farm help are in many
cases departing from the usual
custom of awaiting offers of en-
ployment and are making direct
application to farmers. Reports
received from practically every ag-
ricultural district in California in
dictate the existence of ample sup
ply Of farm labor TO meet all pres
ent demands. Agricultural enter
prises in this state are highly spe-
cialized, each farmer combining
himself to one crop or product and
the type of labor of meeting par
ticular requirement is utilized.
Decreased industrial activity
has caused some workers to mi
CRATE from the cities to the farms,
but no movement on a large scale