33

H.—l9

necessitating the surveyor coming in from the farthest part of his district, and not allowing him the leisure to complete these surveys, as laid down in the instructions, which I consider is required for the due fulfilment of these duties. The return of defects comprises about the average, the principal being fittings and wear-and-tear; the most dangerous were laminated plates. In the one case a longitudinal tubular boiler fired externally, carrying 701b. pressure ; and in the other a return tubular boiler, carrying 451b. In both these cases fortunately the damage was taken in time, so that there have been no accidents of any sort through defects. In the case of accidents to boilers reported the number is only 2. In the one case, through dirt and the blow-off being in the wrong place, boiler (longitudinal tubular) externally fired and cracked in bottom plate of shell at far end. The other case, boiler (longitudinal tubular) fired externally, the front end dropped down about 10in., leaving the upper tubes bare at the back, where, through the constant contraction and expansion, the tube-plate cracked across. Return of notices given to repair boilers is not of much importance, being mostly fittings, with the exception of three cases, where it was necessary to strengthen the boiler. Return of notices given to remove dangerous parts of machinery consists of only four, three being hydraulic-lift chains, and the other being a cracked circular saw. Return of notices to fence dangerous parts of machinery consists of one —a new flour-mill. Return of accidents to life and limb consists of two. In the one case the boy lost his hand at a washing-machine, getting caught between the rollers in clearing them, which he ought not to have attempted without first stopping the machine. In the other case the damages were merely nominal, although they might have been serious. In both cases I inspected the places where these accidents took place, but could do nothing to prevent them. Summary of Inspections : The number added to the official number since the 31st March, 1887, was 73. Number of boilers changed hands, 31 (Otago); number of new portable, 10 (England); locally made, new7, 11 (Otago); number of old boilers imported, 1 (England); number of new vertical and stationary, 6 (England); number of old boilers from Canterbury, 4. One Cornish tubular has been condemned absolutely, and one vertical provisionally. I have, &c, The Assistant-Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. Alexander Crawford.

Return showing the Number of Land Boilers inspected in the Otago District during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1888.

Return of Fees payable for the Inspection of Boilers and Machinery in the Otago District during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1888.

Return of Notices given to fence Dangerous Parts of Machinery in the Otago District during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1888.

5—H. 19.

Number of Portable Boilers. Number of Stationary Boilers. Name of District. 5 h.p. and 5 to 10 '• Over 10 under. h.p. h.p. ! 5 h.p. and 5 to 10 Over 10 under. h.p. h.p. Total. 'tago 21 116 12 150 46 119 464

Name of District, &c. Fees payable in respect Fees payable in respect of of Boilers. Machinery. Total. •tago— Portable Stationary Machinery £ s. a. 253 0 0 473 0 0 £ s. a. £ s. a. 4"0 0 \ 730 o o

Date of Notice. Class of Machinery. _____ Parts requiring to be fenced. 1887. July 22 ... J Flour-mill Fly-wheel and driving-pulley of engine; laying-shaft at oat-meal-gear; driving-belt on second floor; driving-belt on third floor.