INDUSTRY AND LABOUR IN ASHBURTON.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxix, Issue 7543, 20 July 1908, Page 1

INDUSTRY AND LABOUR IN ASHBURTON.

The annual report of Mr R. S. Bean, Inspector of Factories for Ashburton, for the year ending March 31, 1908, as presented to the Department of Labour, reads as follows:

There has not been a very marked difference in the volume of trade done by shopkeepers, during the year, although keen competition from outside must have the effect of injuring trade to some extent. However, they say the business done will compare very favourably with last year. In consequence of tho very hot weather and grass fires the work at the local freezing works has been of a very unsatisfactory character, the butchers in some cases only having about 10 or 12 sheep each. The woollen- factory continues busy with the hands employed at the present time, and has worked a considerable amount of overtime. Factories Act.—There were 126 factories registered during the year, employing 653 males and 131 females, making a total.of 784. In most factories the work done has been of a satisfactory nature for the year. As mentioned in my monthly reports the buildings trades, and also tailoring, dressmaking, and millinery, have been busy, and a considerable amount of overtime worked at these trades.

Permits to young persons to work in factorie: Certificates have been issued to 17 males and 13 females; total, 30. Accidents.—Four accidents were reported during the year, only one of which was severe, the boy injured having to lose his arm.

Sanitation.—l have pointed out in former reports that in a town like Ashburton constant supervision is absolutely necessary to keep the factories of the town in a fairly sanitary condition.

Overtime Permits.—Permits have been issued to 17 males and 85 females, who worked 2817 hours:

Servants' Registrary Offices Act.— There are only 3of these; they are well conducted, and I have had no complaints. Shearers Accommodation Act—ln my visit to the sheds in this district I found that more attention is being paid to the comfort of the men. A few minor matters were attended to

In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to all employers and others iV the courtesy shown to ano while : n the execution of my various duties.