THE FACTORIES' ACT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 92, 20 April 1893, Page 9

THE FACTORIES' ACT.

A QUESTION OF REGISTRATION.

The case under bhe Factories' Acb againsb John Yon Broda for neglecting to register his facbory or work-room, heard ab the Police Courb yesterday afternoon, ended in the case being dismissed without costs. The evidence taken showed that defendant had given a written schedule to Mr Fergusson, Inspector under the Act, which showed bhab he employed 31 hands. A receipb was shown thab defendanb had paid £1 ls, bub as 31 hands wore employed, bhe Inspector stated tbab the fe9 was £2 2s. In his evidence defendanb disputed that he employed 31 hands, and bhab the schedule was incorrect. After hearing evidence, Dr. Giles said tho case resolved itself into a question of law. Counsel's argument was heard, when Dr. Giles gavo judgment He said that tho issuing of the certificate was only inibiabory, and that the registration was nob an annual affair, bhough bho pay menb of the foe was. Tlio registration took place at bhe outset. If a man increased his staff during tho year, he did nob see bhab bhe foo could ba increased until bho following year. Of course ib would be bhe duty of such an owner to inform the Inspector. The esse was dismissed without costs. Mr McAlister, who appeared ioi the informant, said that if such was the decision of the Court every man might suap his fingers ab bho Factories' Act. Dr. Giles said be- would nob permib such remarks on fys decisions. They were entirely out of place. Mr McAlisber apologised bo Dr. Giles, and said ho was simply referring bo bhe importance of this conclusion of the first case under the Act. The matter then dropped.