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Star (Christchurch), Issue 5461, 13 January 1896, Page 1

There are some remarkable figures to be obtained from the published statistics of New Zealand Factories " under the Act," and anyone who can spare the time will find it as funny as Punch, this' Government record of our industries. Nofy on account . of the inaccuracies contained therein, but in the astounding dimensions of some of the protected industries. Feathers 'are "pi'otected " to the tune of about 25 per cent, -and as this is to be considered as protection and not as mere revcmic-raising, it behoves us to. know what we are protecting. In the leading city of New Zealand there is " tinder the Act " an ostrich feather factory. So . far, so good ; but the book goes further and tells us how much the factory hands earn in their various occupations. .That is where we look for revelations, for we have it on the best authority that the total wages paid in the above-mentioned' industry^ iO Os Od per week, and we may venture to add a similar amount per annum.

In another branch of the local industries, not altogether unconnected with the press, avo find figures after this style— we will not quote exactly, as it might infringe copyright : At 15 years of age boys earn 7s, girls 5s per week.- But at 16 boys earn 6s, while girls receive 9s, while at 17 years (most erratic boys and girls) the young men receive 10s, while the girls get Bs.

It is nice reading, 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 than Old Judge Cigarettes. They certainly ■will not' wash clothes, but they are the best obtainable.