H.—lsa

2

Defects op Boilers and Fittings. A large number of defects both in boilers and their fittings have been discovered during the annual inspections, some of them being of a very serious nature. The existence of such defects shows the great need of these periodical visits being made by the staff of this Department. The Inspectors of Machinery have all special training for their work, and they fully report to the Head Office at Wellington, setting out in detail in their reports the result of their investigations. The total number of defects discovered in boilers and fittings is 1,350, and out of this number eighty-nine were considered dangerous. The descriptions of these defects are given in Eeturn No. 2. New Boilers. The total number of new boilers registered in the colony during the year is 355, and the total horse-power of these new boilers is 6,981. Of these new boilers there ware made in the colony 194, of 3,703 total horse-power ; and 161 were imported, of a total horse-power of 3,278. The following table shows the numbers and horse-power of these boilers, and the districts to which they have gone : —

Gas- and Water-dbiven Machinery and Lifts, and Machinery Inspections. Gas-engines totalling 932 and 413 oil-engines were inspected, and 324 water-motors, 428 lifts, and 268 hoists and motors were examined. Special inspections were made of machinery, and 835 certificates were issued. The grand total number of machinery inspections made during the year is 3,200. Fencing of Machinery. In Eeturn No. 4 is set out the details of fencing that was found necessary to be erected, to make the machinery in motion safe, and to insure personal safety. Very high speeds are commonly run in a great many of our manufactories and the belting, pulleys, and other running-gear, ■unless properly protected, are a menace to persons who control the machines while at work. Examination of Engine-drivers. The examinations of engine-drivers have been duly carried out at the times and places set out in the regulations for these examinations. Special examinations have also been held at several other places throughout the colony during the year. Tiie number of candidates who successfully passed their examinations at such places is 799. A detailed list of such candidates, with the grades and classes of examination they have now passed, is shown by Eeturns Nos. 7 to 13, inclusive. The various examinations were held at the following places—namely : Alexandra South, Auckland," Blenheim,* Christchurch,* Clyde, Collingwood, Cromwell," Dannevirke,* Denniston, Dunedin,* Foxton, Gisborne, Greymouth,* Hawera, Invercargill,* Kaitaia, Maketu, Masterton, Miller's Flat, Napier," Nelson,* Opotiki, Palmerston North, Bahotu, Beef ton,* Eoxburgh, Stratford, Timaru,* Waitapu, Waipiro Bay, Wanganui,* Wellington,* Westport.* Accidents. It is with satisfaction that I again report that no boiler explosion involving bodily injury to any one has occurred during the year, but I regret to have to report that several accidents have occurred to persons employed about machinery in motion, and that several of these accidents have resulted in loss of life. The particulars of the several accidents are given in Eeturns Nos. 5 and 6. All machinery in motion is, as far as practicable, safely guarded and properly fenced, but custom and habit sometimes make employees careless, so that most of the accidents that happen in connection with machinery are the result of carelessness of the employee.

* Places at which examinations were held more than once during the year.

Colonial. Impi irted. Tol ,al. District. .- , HorseNumber. power HorseNumber. Number. power. power. Auckland ... Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington ... Marlborough Nelson North Nelson South Westland Canterbury Timaru Otago Southland ... 86 17 9 55 5 6 4 7 17 9 7 1,268 294 92 1,264 72 103 38 62 193 15 220 82 39 IS 8 49 3 5 4 3 9 9 9 10 1,102 237 24 749 42 42 250 26 470 71 108 157 95 30 17 104 8 11 8 10 26 11 18 17 2,370 531 116 2,013 114 145 288 88 663 86 328 239 194 3,703 161 3,278 355 6,981