H.—ll

XXXII

many others in wood ; also a number of large private residences. The new Post-office and abattoirs will be completed during the current year. Although the number of dwellinghouses has largely increased in the same period there is still a constant demand for more accommodation. Factories Act. There were 132 factories registered during the year (an increase of 14 over last year), employing 564 males and 119 females : total, 683 persons. By careful and constant supervision the Act can be worked with satisfaction to all concerned in its administration. It was very well observed by employers, and no serious complaints were made by the employees. Overtime warrants were issued for 75 males, who worked 4,529 hours; and for 70 females, who worked 3,670 hours : total, 8,199 hours. Permits. Permits were" issued during the year for 32 young persons, 20 boys and 12 girls. Of the boys, 7 had passed the Fourth Standard, 5 passed the Fifth Standard, and 8 the Sixth. Of the girls, 5 passed the Fifth Standard, 6 passed the Sixth, and 1 passed the Seventh. Accidents. There were 7 accidents reported and inquired into during the year, the most serious of which was the loss of a portion of three fingers and a thumb by a machinist in a sash and door factory ; two others were of a similar nature, resulting in the loss of a portion of a finger in each case. Servants' Registry Offices Act. There is one office registered under the Act in the district, which is well conducted by a competent person. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. There was one case brought before the Court during the year for a breach of clause 15 of the Act re lockout against the Consolidated Goldfields Company, of Reefton, in which judgment was reserved, and is not yet to hand. Sanitation. The sanitary condition of factories and shops is improving as old buildings are being removed and new ones erected. If a few dilapidated structures already condemned as no longer fit for habitation or for business purposes were demolished, the town would have a healthier and more pleasing appearance. Shops and Offices Act. This Act, though not satisfactory to many shopkeepers, has been fairly well observed, and no prosecutions took place during the year. Overtime warrants were issued for 7 males who worked 218 hours, and for 4 females who worked 30 hours : total hours worked, 248. Labour. Unskilled labour had a very prosperous time during 1906, but since the beginning of 1907 the demand for labour has considerably decreased. For the year ending the 31st March, 1907, there were 403 applications for employment, 95 married and 308 single men, the whole having 360 dependants. For the same period 197 men were found employment on the various co-operative works in the district, and several were assisted in finding private employment. Twenty-eight accidents occurred on the railway-works during the year, lof which was fatal; 2 men sustained injuries to their hands, leaving them partially disabled; the ethers were of a very temporary nature; a few trivial complaints made by the workmen were inquired into, and all their grievances were easily and satisfactorily adjusted. Exports. The exports from the Port of Greymouth for the year ending the 31st March, 1907, were as follows": Timber, 32,911,881 ft.; sleepers, 123,C67 ; coal, 277,294 tons ; coke, 1,633 tons ; bricks, 981 tons ; flax, 2,402 bales ; wool, 589 bales ; gold, 83,301 oz. 5 j dwt. Shipping. The number and tonnage of vessels that visited the port for the year ending the 31st March, 1907, was—steamers, 686 inwards, 293,907 tons ; steamers, 684 outwards, 292,878 tons. Sailing-vessels, 26 inwards, 4,386 tons ; and 28 sailers outwards, 4,288 tons. In conclusion I desire to thank both employers and employees for the uniform courtesy shown towards me while performing my duties. I have, &c, James Isdell, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. Inspector of Factories.