Page 6 Advertisements Column 4

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10098, 6 April 1896, Page 6

I'here are some remarkable figures to be obtained from tho published statistics of New Zealand Factories "under the Act," and any one who can spare the time will find it as funny as Punch, this Government record of our industries, Not on account of the inaccuracies contained therein, but in the astounding dimensions of some of the protected industries, and the number of people who obtain a living by such protection. Feathers are "protected" to the tuue of about 25 per cent., and as this is to be comidered _ as protection and not as mere revenue-raiting, it behoves us to know what we are protecting. In the leading city of New Zealand there is "under the Act 1 ' an ostrich feather factory. So far, so good; but the book goes further and tells us bow much the factory bauds earn in their various occupations. That is where wo look for revelations, for wo ha\'e it on the best authority, that the total wages paid in the abovementioned industry is £0 0s 0d per week, and we may venture to add a similar amount per annum. In another branch of local industries, not altogether unconnected with the press, we find figures after this style,—we will not quote exactly, as it might infringe copyright: At 15 years of age, boys earn 7s, girls ss, per week. But at 16, boys earn Cs, while girls receivo <Js j while at 17 years (most erratic boys and girls), the young men receive 103, while the girls get Ss. Exceedingly funny! It is nice rending, and calculated to turn one s brain, if taken in too large quantities. However, nothing is more soothing to a brain worried by Government statistics I, tin Old Judge Cigarettes. They certainly will nut wash clothes, but they are the best obtainable, and comparison is invited with any other brand in the market.