Northeast Kootenay Report

NORTHEAST KOOTENAY – Report of J.E. Griffiths, Government Agent for 1903.

            The amount of ore shipped during the summer of 1903 was about 900 tons.  This does not, however, represent the amount of mining done, the ore being taken out in the course of development only.  The number of miners employed shows an increase.  The wages paid is $3.50 per day.

            The Columbia River Lumber Company shipped 13,000,000 feet of lumber, 135,000 railway ties, and 2,000,000 laths.  The wages paid lumbermen ranges from $30 to $40 per month and board.  Plenty of common labor since November 1^st; poor class on the average.  Demand for lumber is good; all lumber, except that used by the C.P.R., exported to the Northwest Territories.  About 3,000,000 shipped from other mills.

            ….On the whole, labor was scarce during the summer, but at present is about balanced.  The wages paid laborers (excepting C.P.R.) is usually $2.50 per day.