11

H.—ls

The number of new boilers inspected during the year was 238; 112 of these were made in the Dominion and 126 were imported. The following table gives the districts in which the new boilers were installed, the horse-power, and also states whether they were made in the Dominion or imported :—

Inspection of Boilers. Boilers inspected during the year total 7,273. The staff was not able to inspect all that were due for inspection. Weather conditions in the country were not favourable for country work, and more time was taken in getting over the ground owing to bad roads in backblock districts. Defects in boilers to the number of 453 were discovered, and of this number 248 were highly dangerous. No boiler-explosion occurred during the year, which is very satisfactory, and I am satisfied that the Inspectors have dealt practically with all boilers on their merits. It is interesting in dealing with steam plants to note the change that takes place in material from year to year, and I endeavour, as far as possible, to have the same Inspector sent to the same district every year so that he may compare the change that has taken place. Decay takes place rapidly sometimes, from various causes, and if the waste is general great care has to be exercised in making an inspection. Inspection of Gas-, Oil-, Water-, and Electric-driven Machinery, including Lifts. During the year 18,551 machinery-inspections were made, which is an increase of nearly 3,000 on last year's work. This shows the forward movement made by those wanting a cheap and handy power, more especially in remote districts. The oil engine and motor is easily moved, and can be used for many purposes on farms, and can be run fairly well by the farmer himself. Most makers issue a handy booklet with instructions which deals with points that want more attention, which should be followed by the user. The staff was unable to deal with all the machinery that had to be inspected during the year. Fencing and Guarding of Machinery. The usual amount of guarding has been done during the year, and no friction has arisen with the owners. There were 1,229 notices to fence and guard machinery during the year, of which number 449 were dangerous. Examination of Land Engineers and Engine-drivers. Examinations have been held at all the places set out in the Book of Regulations for these examinations, and at many other centres to suit applicants in the country districts and steamusers. The shortage of engine-drivers due to the war should now disappear, and the requests for permission to rim steam plants without having a certificated man in charge should not now be so numerous. It is difficult, however, for an owner in an isolated district to fill a vacancy immediately it occurs, as he may have to advertise and get a certificated man from a distance. A complete list of the places where the examinations were held is as follows : Auckland,* Awanui, Blenheim, Caberfeidh, Carterton,* Christchurch,* Cromwell, Danncvirke,* Dunedin,* Eltham, Gisborne,* Greymouth,* Hamilton,* Invercargill,* Karamea, Kutarere, Levin, Manaia, Manakau, Masterton, Matamau, Napier,* Nelson,* New Plymouth,* Norsewood, Oamaru, Okato, Opotiki, Opunake,* Otaki, Owaka, Pahiatua, Palmerston North,* Pohokura, Raetihi, Raglan, South Norsewood, Stratford,* Takaka, Taumarunui, Tauranga, Thames, Timaru,* Wanganui,* Wellington,* Westport,* Whakatane, and Whangarei.*

* Places where more than one examination was held.

District. Made in 1 Number. lominion. HorseImpc led. Horsepower. Toi tai. Horse - Power. Number. Number. power. Auckland Auckland North .. Auckland South .. Canterbury Hawke's Bay Marlborough Nelson Otago Southland Taranaki Taranaki North .. Timaru Wellington Wellington North.. Westland 10 1 7 20 5 9 2 6 1 9 2 4 19 16 1 10 1 7 20 5 9 2 6 1 9 2 4 li) L6 1 82_ 41 57J 59 381 57 16 37 n 25 l&_ 6©| 1061 62 .12 21 2 II II 35 2 LO 8 4 2 360f 27 422' 30|2591 32 373 18 105 27| 31 3 IH .",'1 10 9 4 l(i 9 13 4 4 25 24 1 443 31| 479f 89J 298 57 48 410 20J 130 44 60i 1161 500~ 12 6 8 10 438 Totals .. 112 112 636 _ 2 ; 103| 126 238 2,740|