H.—ll

15

(2.) Giving owners of houses built before the 3rd August, 1914, the right to 7 per cent, net interest on the valuation of their houses as at that date, if that rent would be higher than the rent previously charged, instead of 8 per cent, (inclusive of all expenses), which, had been the maximum rate fixed irrespective of the age or materials of which the houses were constructed. (3.) The right was given to a tenant to recover rent paid by him in excess. This provision had not previously existed. (4.) Making all bonuses recoverable by tenants, whether received by the owner or by any other person, and making the receipt of bonuses an offence. (5.) Restricting the rent that may be charged by a tenant to a subtenant, by empowering a Magistrate to fix what he considers would be a fair rental, and giving an additional right of possession to the owner if his tenant has sublet at an unreasonable rent. (6.) Applying the Act to a room or rooms in the same way as to the whole of a house. (For various reasons, as stated in last year's report, this provision is difficult to operate unless precisely the same room or rooms with or without the same furniture has previously been let.) As the Act of 191G together with its several amendments has proved exceedingly complicated, the Department issued an explanatory memorandum in January last for public information. Peoposed Legislation. Following upon your instructions, and in view of the fact that on account of the war several of the present labour laws and their amendments require consolidation arid certain amendments, legislation is under preparation relating to the following : Shops and offices, waterside employment, industrial conciliation and arbitration, apprentices, and factories. Staff Notes. The only alteration in the staffing of the Department during the year is the reduction of four, consequent upon the closing of the women's employment bureaux. Other reductions will probably be made shortly. Every effort in this and other directions has been made to effect economics. Expenditure of the Labouk Department during tin-: Ybae. Salaries, cost-of-living bonus, temporary clerical assistance, allowance to officers performing £ higher duties, and allowance to police and other officers acting as departmental agents* 27,844 Advertising and publications .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 427 Fares, board and lodging, &c, advanced to persons proceeding to employment (see refunds below) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 382 Fares (proportion of) contributed by Department to persons proceeding to employment (viz., 25 per cent, on railway fares) .. .. .. .. .. .. 78 Fees paid to assessors of Industrial Councils .. . . . . . . . . .. 2,476 Legal and witnesses' expenses (see refunds below) .. .. .. .. .. 298 Postage, telegrams, telephones, and rent of letter-boxes .. .. .. .. 2,328 Printing and stationery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,991 Office requisites, fuel and lighting .. . . .. .. .. .. .. 516 Travelling allowances and expenses of Inspectors, members of Court of Arbitration, Conciliation Councils, &c, bicycles and motor-cycles, and maintenance of same .. .. 6,528 Upkeep of departmental residence .. . . .. .. .. . . .. 60 Miscellaneous expenditure— £ Arbitration Court and Conciliation Councils . . .. .. . . 347 General .. .. , . .. .. .. .. .. ]01 448 46.376 Less refunds — Fares .. .. .. .. .. .. 128 Legal and witnesses' expenses .. .. .. .. .. 120 From Housing Account .. .. .. .. .. 1,588 1,836 £44,540

* Exclusive of the salaries of the Judge and members of the Court of Arbitration, £.'!,500, which are appropriated by special Act of Parliament.