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XXXI

Factories Act. Two hundred and forty-four factories, employing 1,551 hands—viz., 1,306 males and 245 females —were registered, an increase of 26 factories on last year's return. Overtime : One hundred and forty warrants to work overtime were issued to 141 women and boys under sixteen, who worked a total of 3,709 hours; 61 males over sixteen worked 2,333 hours : total, 204 persons worked 6,042 hours. Of males, 5 engineers worked 230 hours, 8 boilermakers 262 hours, 5 moulders 67 hours, 3 blacksmiths 8 hours, 2 carpenters 61 hours, 18 joiners 703 hours, 20 tailors 1,002 hours : total, 61 males worked 2,333 hours. Of females, 27 tailoresses worked 1,175 hours, 42 dressmakers 268 hours, 69 jam and confectionery workers 2,229 hours, 2 printers' apprentices 24 hours, 1 watchmaker's apprentice 13 hours : total, 143 females worked 3,709 hours. Permits : Permits were issued during the year to 28 young persons—viz., 19 boys and 9 girls. Of the boys, 8 had passed Standard IV, 3 Standard V, 8 Standard VI; of the girls, 3 had passed Standard IV, 2 Standard V, and 4 Standard VI. Accidents : Six accidents were reported during the year, 4 in connection with woodworking machinery. One of these was of a serious nature. Two occurred in connection with brickworks, one of which was of a minor nature, while the other was fatal. In all cases I visited the factories in which the accidents occurred, and made full inquiry into causes of the accidents. In conjunction with the Inspector of Machinery I visited the brickyard were the fatal accident happened. After a careful examination of brake, rope, &c, we came to the conclusion that the rope used for lowering trucks had been overhauled too much, giving a free run of 40 yards to the truck on down grade. The brake had apparently been applied suddenly, causing a collision equal to about 5 tons, thus tearing out the brake-lever, which struck the brakeman and broke his neck. Prosecutions. One case was brought before the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court, for failing to report an accident, and was dismissed, the Magistrate holding that the employee had led the employer to believe that the accident was not of a serious bodily nature within the meaning of the Act. Shops and Offices Act. This Act is working smoothly. Advantage has been taken of section 21 of this Act by shopkeepers, and, in response to requisitions under that section, the hours of grocers, drapers, and bootmakers have now been made uniform. The statutory half-holiday has been well observed. Twenty-five overtime warrants have been issued to 82 shop-assistants, who have worked 2,245 hours overtime. There were no prosecutions during the year under this Act. Servants' Registry Offices Act. One office was opened in the district during the year but apparently did very little business, the occupier declining to take out a license again for 1907. Shearers' Accommodation Act. There are 6 shearing-sheds in the district; the accommodation in all cases is satisfactory. On my annual visit to these sheds I found everything clean, with good ventilation and ample sleepingaccommodation. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. During the year 60 alleged breaches of award have been investigated, and after careful inquiry it was found that 36 alleged breaches could not be sustained. In 24 cases application for enforcement of awards has been made. These aTe now awaiting the attention of the Arbitration Court. The various awards may be said to be working fairly smoothly; the principal offences by employers are for failing to give preference of employment to unionists. In conclusion I have to thank the various persons with whom my duty has brought me in contact for the consideration and courtesy shown me while carrying out my duties. I have, &c, S. Tyson, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. Inspector of Factories.

GREYMOUTH. Sir, — Department of Labour, Greymouth, 10th April, 1907. I have the honour to submit for your information my annual report on the working of this branch of the Department for the year ending the 31st March, 1907. The past year has been one of general prosperity and steady advancement in all branches of trade. Our principal industries are gradually expanding, and our valuable resources are being slowly but surely developed. The building trades were very active during the year. Several large and costly buildings have been erected lately—viz., a new Town Hall, library, and a technical school, a new wing to the local hospital, a large up-to-date hotel, and other extensive business premises ; all brick structures, and