H.—ll

Accidents . During the year there have been twelve accidents reported, but I am pleased to say only one proved servious—that to a young carter who, while crossing the railway-line, got caught by an engine, and eventually had to have one foot amputated. The remainder were of a slight nature. " The Shops and Offices Act, 1904." So far I have not found much difficulty in working this new Act since it came into force. There are certainly a few anomalies in regard to office-assistants which require amending, and probably defining, but, on the whole, it is a great improvement on the old Act. Servants' Registry Offices. There are four licensed offices in this town, and all are well conducted. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. This Act is working as well as can be expected, and, as time goes on and people get educated up to it, I have great hopes of it in the future. At the same time, it requires a great amount of care, tact, and attention by the Inspector, but, as far as I can judge, its benefits are very great to employer and employee. I have been able to settle amicably several cases privately, which otherwise must have taken up a considerable amount of the Arbitration Court's time. Labour. During the year the unskilled-labour market has been a comparatively easy matter to cope with, although owing to the shortage of sheep for freezing purposes the two local works closed down much earlier than usual this season, yet the labour-market did not get congested. The building trade in all its different branches has been exceptionally busy, and, from information collected from reliable sources, I can safely predict another prosperous year in all branches of the trade for South Canterbury. Domestic servants, ploughmen, and milkers are still very scarce. I have, &c, P. Keddib, Inspector of Factories. Edward Tregear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington.

OAMARU. Sir, — Department of Labour, Oamaru, 11th April, 1905. I have the honour to submit for your information my annual report upon the working of the various Acts under my supervision in this district for the year ending the 31st March, 1905. Factories. Seventy factories and workrooms have been registered during the year in good and wellventilated buildings, in which were employed 377 males and 195 females. I have at intervals visited the places and found the rooms clean and well kept, and in only a few instances have I had any cause to complain. The Oamaru Woollen-factory has during the last twelve months added considerably to their premises by erecting a large stone building for making worsted cloth, all the machinery for which has been imported. The employees in this establishment speak very highly of the management and seem well satisfied. The Act is working well here, and its provisions are admired by both employers and employees. In two dressmaking-rooms it was discovered that the girls were not paid the wages as laid down in the Act, but the defect has been made good in both cases, the back wages having been paid to the persons entitled to it. There have been no accidents during the year. Servants' Registry Offices. This Act is working satisfactorily. I issued four certificates during the period and have had no complaints. Shops and Offices. I have little to report on the working of this Act, which is now fairly well understood and its provisions well carried out. The half-holiday, Thursday, is well observed. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. This Act is working well in Oamaru. As Inspector of Awards I have had no complaints, and found that all persons working under awards are well versed in the law. Shearing-sheds. I have inspected shearing-sheds and found the law complied with in every instance. Labour. The past year in this district has been very good, labourers finding employment without much difficulty, and' at good wages, which, in almost all cases, for ordinary workers is not less than Bs.

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