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3. The European resident, unlike the local labourer, purchases a certain number of articles which have to be imported from countries with sterling or gold currencies. He is therefore affected by variations in the exchange value of these currencies as expressed in terms of the silver dollar. Throughout the year the silver dollar showed a steady appreciation in its exchange value vis-à-vis sterling and the American dollar. Although this rise in value is regarded by many people as a mixed blessing, a general lowering of the local prices of articles imported from England and the United States of America was apparent in the closing months of the year.
AVERAGE RATES OF WAGES FOR LABOUR.
Building Trade :—
Carpenters $1.15 per day. Bricklayers 1.10 Painters 1.10 Plasterers 1.10 1) Scaffolders 1.70 Labourers (male) 0.80 (female) 0.50Working hours, nine per day. Time and a half paid for over-time. Free temporary quarters provided on the building site and communal messing at cheap rates.
Shipping and Engineering:
Electricians $1.45 to $1.80 per day. Coppersmiths 1.20 to Fitters 0.80 to 1.00 to 1.40 Sawmillers 1.80 Boilermakers 1.80 Sailmakers → 11 Blacksmiths 1.00 to 1.50 29 Turners 0.80 to 1.20 Patternmakers 1.00 to 1.40 " 51 ,, * Labourers 1.00 to 1.40 0.50 to 0.80Over-time-time and a half. Night work-double time.
Transport Workers:-
Tram drivers $36 to $45 per month. conductors 30 to 39 11 Bus drivers 50 conductors 20 to 25 27Working hours, nine per day. Free uniform. Bonus at end of year.