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(16) A small Hitch had been cut on the break-down bench of a sawmill and the driving-belt transferred to the loose pulley. Before the lower saw had stopped, however, a worker, while attempting to cross the bench, slipped, bis right foot falling across the saw. Amputation was subsequently found to be necessary: Factory Hygiene And Welfare Work: Attention has again been given to the welfare of female workers in factories, shops, and hotels by the Women Factory Inspectors in the course of their general duties. In addition to. Ventilation and sanitation, such matters as cloak-rooms, rest-roomsj washing-facilities, adjustable fchairS, and the covering of concrete floors have been attended to: Boys and GiRLS iN Factorlesi The following table shows the number of boys and girls taken on in factories each year since 1913-14.

Certificates of Fitness issued to Boys and Girls under Sixteen Years of Age to work in Factories.

Inspections, etc. Inspectors paid 15,85!) visits of inspection to the factories of the Dominion (numbering in all, 17,082) during the year (previous year, 16,687). Prosecutions numbered 26, in 25 of which convictions were obtained ; the fines totalled £59 ; no case calls for comment. Complaints were received respecting 136 alleged breaches of the Act resulting in 6 prosecutions and 56 warnings. In 54 cases investigation showed that no breach had been committed, while in the remaining cases no action was considered necessary ; 20 prosecutions were instituted for breaches which were discovered by Inspectors, and warnings were given in other cases, being either first offences or of a minor nature ; in 1 case civil action was taken for recovery of arrears of wages due. There were 814 requisitions served to comply with various requirements of the Act, such as for limewashing ; safeguards for workers employed on machinery, &c. ; sanitary conveniences ; fireescapes ; renovations and structural alterations ; heating-appliances ; ventilation.; lighting ; first-aid appliances ; washing-water; and dining-rooms in the case of establishments employing over six women and girls and boys under sixteen.^ Shops and Offices Act. The records show 26,142 shops throughout New Zealand, of which 12,956 (approximately onehalf) were carried on without assistants. In the shops with assistants there were employed 21,389 males and 20,185 females. Visits of inspection to the number of 22,1.51 were made during the year (previous year, 21,380). Prosecutions numbered 334, in which 32-3 convictions were obtained ; fines, £392. Complaints were received respecting 439 alleged breaches of the Act, resulting in 60 prosecutions and 175 warnings. In 175 cases investigation showed that no breach had been committed, while in the remaining cases no action was considered necessary ; 274 prosecutions were instituted for breaches which were discovered by Inspectors, and warnings were given in other cases, being either first offences or of a minor nature. Of the 334 prosecutions taken under this Act, 173 were in connection with the sale of cigarettes by shopkeepers other than tobacconists. There were 23 prosecutions against tobacconists : total, 196. One hundred and eleven requisitions were served on occupiers of shops to comply with various requirements of the Act, such as for sanitary conveniences, heating-appliances, sitting-accommodation for females, lighting, ventilation, and drinking-water. During last year two Bills (one of which was a Government measure) to amend the Shops and Offices Act were introduced into Parliament. In view, however, of the controversial nature of a number of the amendments, it was agreed that no action should be taken during that session for the amendment of the Act, but the Government promised that a special Committee should be set up during the recess to examine the whole, of the Act, with a view to suggesting alterations that would make it clearer and more workable. This Committee was duly set up and, having taken evidence from persons interested throughout the Dominion, is preparing its recommendations to the Government.

Year. Boys. Girls. Total. Year. Boys. Girls. Total. 1913-14 .. .. 932 1,241 2,173 1922-23 .. .. 995 1,530 2,525 1914-15 .. .. 952 1,136 2,088 1923-24 .. .. 1,156 1,445 2,601 1915-16 .. .. 1,100 1,263 2,363 1924-25 .. .. 1,259 1,277 2,536 1916-17 .. .. 1,158 1,251 2,409 1925-26 .. .. 1,300 1,586 2,886 1917-18 .. .. 1,199 1,236 2,435 1926-27 .. .. 1,199 1,547 2,746 1918-19 .. .. 1,240 1,333 2,573 1927-28 .. 1,030 1,614 2,644 1919-20 .. .. 1,252 1,685 2,937 1928-29 .. .. 981 1,603 2,584 1920-21 .. .. 1,267 1,368 2,635 1929-30 .. .. 1,077 1,746 2,823 1921-22 .. .. 962 1,286 2,248