THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1900.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11797, 28 July 1900, Page 6

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1900.

The ninth annual report of the Department of Labeur, covering tko financial

year ending the 31st March, 1900, is, as usual, an interesting document, and well worth attentive perusal. It is satisfactory to note that the past year has been one of unexampled prosperity. Labour has been in unusual demand in both mercantile and agricultural pursuits, and, with the single exception of bootmaking—an industry which Mr Tregear says is extremely slack in consequence of the large importation of foreign goods and the adoption of improved labour-saving machinery—every branch of our trade and commerce would appear to be in a healthy and progressive state. The gold dredging industry has developed to such an extent that nearly two and a-half millions of capital are now invested in it, and orders for machinery have had to be placed outside the colony, local firms finding it impossible to supply the demand. In many tanneries, woollen mills, tailoring, clothing, and dressmaking establishments, more orders have been received than could be executed, even when the allowed maximum of overtime has been worked. Statistics are furnished showing that the manufactures of New Zealand have absorbed some 3633 more persons in their production than in the previous year. There are now 48,938 factory workers in the colony, being an increase in five years of 19,059. Both Mr Tregear and his staff of inspectors regret that the overtime evil is still on the increase in the various large centres of population. It is stated that last year a total of 5099 persons worked 138,169 hours of overtime throughout the colony, and of these the share falling to the Dunedin district amounted to 1174 persons, working 42,024 hours. The report goes qji to say "The general public should regard as a moral obligation an effort to better regulate their pressure of demand, . . It is more in consequence of the spasmodic and irregular nature of trade requirements that overtime exists than to any other cause." Granted. But we fear that, like a good many other very excellent theories, Mr Tregear's well meant suggestions will scarcely meet with practical support. There have been few prosecutions under the Factories Act during.the year, but there seems to be considerable confusion or misunderstanding regarding the provisions of the Factories Act of 1894, and the Shops and Shop Assistants Act, with their various amendments, and there is a general consensus of opinion that a Bill should be passed consolidating these Factory and Shops Acts into one clear comprehensive measure. Mr Tregear makes a number of very sensible and practical suggestions fpr rendering such an Act in the highest

David Nield, pastor of the Church of God, .Wellington, is visiting Dunedin for a few days, and will speak at the Fountain, weather permitting. The subjects are advertised. Given a fine night, the Carisbrook ground improvement entertainment should tax the Garrison Hall to its utmost. The programme is a very varied one of most entertaining items. The Dunedin Gymnastic Club is assisting, and instrumental items by Miss Amy Murphy, Messrs Austing and Barrett, and the Venetian Band will also be given.

Notice of Eemovel.—Jaiies E. Scott, commission agent, produce exporter, secretary National Dairy Association, removed to Agricultural Hall Buildings, Crawford street, Dunedin. New telephone number 861.—Advt. The place to purchase presents is undoubtedly G-. and T. Young's, watch and jewellery establishment, 88 Princes street. You can always xely upon getting value for your money there, See advt. first page. John Hislop, oldest established Watchmaker aud Jeweller, 74 Princes street. Good assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacles suit all sights.—Advt. The most Reliable Cough Cure is Baxters Lung Preserver; it is a really excellent preparation; it will cure coughs, colds, sore throats, the terrible hacking cough of consumption, and all affections of the throat and lungs. It is also unequalled' in cutting short the paroxysm in Asthma, Baxter's Lung Preserver is the cough cure of the century; it can be given to young and old with perfect safety. Sold by all chemists in bottles—ls 6d and 2s 6d.—Advt. Who is Peteb Dick? —The most reliable Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee Palace, Moray place, Dunedin. Charges strictly moderate.—Advt.

To-day.—Carter's Great Sale. Tremendous ■bargains in all departments. Come early and see for yourselves. Carter's, Great Sale.—Advt. Monster sale boots and shoes, slightly soiled by recent fire, greatly reduced prices.—Henderson and Gray's, Rattray street.—Advt.

Treatment by massage, electricity, and Tallerman's hot dry air for rheumatism, paralysis, nervous, and joint troubles.—Mr and Mrs Edwin Booth, Stuart street, Dunedin. Telephone 600.—Advt.