H.—ll

XII

Publications . During the year the following publications have been issued by the Department: — (1.) Vol. vii of Awards, Agreements, &c, under Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. (2.) Vol. v, Cases under Workers' Compensation for Accidents Acts. (3.) The monthly Labour Journal. (4.) The Annual Report of the Department. (5.) Handbook of Labour Laws. (Compiled for Exhibition.) (6.) Pamphlet entitled "The Department of Labour: its Organization and Work." (Also compiled for Exhibition.) A very complete index was also published with Vol. vii of the Awards, Agreements, &c, under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, referring to the whole of the awards, accepted recommendations, and agreements made since the inception of the Act. Re Labour Journal. It is to be regretted that so little support is accorded to this publication by the workers individually and unions collectively. The Journal, as you are aware, contains full information in regard to the state of trade and labour throughout the colony, and gives in extenso claims of the unions, recommendations of the various Boards of Conciliation, awards of the Arbitration Court, and all agreements made under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, besides all legal decisions given under our labour legislation. Further, articles are reprinted from the best of the world's magazines dealing with social and economic questions, which should and must be of instruction and interest to both employers and workers. It is to be hoped that more support will be given to the Journal during the coming year. Some time ago the Department was approached by a deputation from the local Trades and Labour Council as to the reports in the Journal concerning trade. This deputation asked that individual unions should be allowed to furnish such reports. The request was granted, and special facilities were afforded to the unions, but I am sorry to say that they have not carried out what they asked for and obtained. Staff Notes. During the year special attention hits been paid to the better organization of the Department, both in the Head Office and agencies. 1 have visited the agencies for this purpose and made ai rangements with the local Inspectors as to the methods and distribution of the work of the Department. Cadets have been appointed to assist the Inspectors at Palmerston North, Invercargill, and Nelson. All cadets, including those recently appointed, are to be trained for at least three months in the Head Office, so as to better equip them for the work of the Department. Up to the present we have been generally successful in the choice of our Inspectors, but I hope during the coming year to submit a proposal to you to provide not only for a complete training of Inspectors of Factories, but to provide for their passing an examination after a period of probation has elapsed, especial regard being paid to the laws they are required to administer. Last year, with the sanction of the late Minister, the Right Hon. U. J. Seddon, a scale of graduated bonuses or allowances was drawn up, to be paid to those police officers that act as Inspectors or agents of the Department. The bonuses, although not large (ranging from £2 2s. to £10 10s.), have been the means of securing much more satisfactory work from these officers, who formerly received nothing for their trouble, and could not therefore be expected to give a reasonable amount of attention to the work. We are now enabled to have the registration and inspection systematically carried out throughout the colony. As you are aware,'the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, our late respected Minister, died on the 10th •Tune last. By his death the Department lost a great administrator and a sterling friend. I also regret to report the death of Mr. H. Ferguson, a very esteemed and capable officer, who was for many years in charge of the Auckland District. Mr. Ferguson joined the Department's service in December, 1891, and his devotion to duty was most marked. He was a most painstaking and trustworthy officer, and was respected by every class of the community. By the death of Mr. Ferguson it became necessary to make changes in the location of various other officers. Mr. Shanaghan was transferred from Christchurch to Auckland: Mr. Hagger, who had been Assistant Inspector at Christchurch, was appointed to succeed Mr. Shanaghan : and Mr. Hally, who had been Assistant at Dunedin, was appointed to succeed Mr. Lomas on his promotion to be Deputy Chief Inspector. In conclusion, I have to thank the staff generally for the very valuable and willing work done during the past year : also the Inspectors, who have been invariably attentive to their duties and have rendered great service towards the successful administration of the various laws under their charge. T have, (fee. J Mackay, Chief Inspector of Factories and Deputy Registrar of Industrial Unions. TTia Hon. the Minister of Labour.