As a result of its many natural resources, the district has become one of the largest industrial centres of the province. Nor has it reached the limit of its expansion. The deepening of the East River to Trenton and the completion of the locks, will give it exceptionally fine water transportation, and connect it by deep sea navigation with all parts of the world. The steel, iron, clay products and wood working industries are the direct outgrowth of its inexhaustable natural resources, which are capable of supplying many more factories. Cutlery, soap, fish, glue, piano and wood working factories, tanneries, cement and glass works, crockery, shoe and iron industries, woollen and cloth mills, could be established in any of the four towns with advantage and profit. Industries such as these and others, would receive every encouragement. And while the towns have no fixed policy as to the treatment of industries seeking location, they are willing to consider any industrial proposition on its merits, and if found worthy, to encourage it so as to make its coming advantageous and profitable.

The four towns have a varied industrial population and employ in the coal mines, railway and factories at present 5000 to 6000 persons, of whom about 3000 belong to labor organizations. Of this number about 2300 are members of the Federation of Labor, while the balance have membership in such unions as the United Mine Workers, Brotherhoods of Carpenters and Joiners, Painters and Decorators, Electric Workers, Bricklayers and Machinists Unions, and other organizations. The wages are good and in many cases high, especially among the war munitions workers. With such a large industrial population, labor difficulties arise from time to time, but they are as a rule, amicably adjusted and strikes are rare.

Rents are higher than last year on account of the scarcity of dwelling houses, and the great demand for them due to the constant influx of industrial workers. This is especially true of New Glasgow and Trenton. In Stellarton and Westville housing conditions are better. But as all these towns are connected by steam and street railway accommodation in the latter towns is no great inconvenience, as the rents are somewhat lower. General living conditions are not higher than in other Nova Scotia towns, and low when compared with Upper Canadian cities. The houses generally have garden plots, on which the householder can, if so desired, raise the vegetables and fruits used for his family, thus materially reducing his living expenses.