H.—ll.

A female worker in an unregistered factory was heating over an open fire a benzine tin containing wax for the manufacture of floor polish when her clothing became ignited, causing fatal burns. The following fatal accident to a person other than a worker was reported : — A member of a firm of sawmillers was assisting in " fleeting " logs by winch at the mill when the hook of the tackle flew out and struck him, inflicting fatal head injuries. Inspections, etc. During the year visits of inspection to the number of 5,406 were made in the course of which wages-books were examined to see that the provisions of the Unemployment Act, 1930, and its amendments had been complied with in respect of the deduction of the emergency unemployment charge. Prosecutions numbered 9, in 8 of which convictions were obtained ; the fines totalled £11 10s. ; no case calls for comment. Complaints were received respecting 139 alleged breaches of the Act, resulting in 4 prosecutions and 91 warnings. In 32 cases investigation showed that no breach had been committed, while in the remaining cases no action was considered necessary. Five 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. There were 311 requisitions served to comply with various requirements of the Act, such as for liinewashing ; safeguards for workers employed on machinery, &c. ; sanitary conveniences ; fireescapes ; renovations and structural alterations ; heating-appliances ; ventilation ; first-aid appliances ; and dining-rooms in the case of establishments employing over six women and girls and boys under sixteen.

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

SHOPS AND OFFICES ACT. The records show 26,025 shops throughout New Zealand, of which 13,759 (approximately onehalf) were carried on without assistants. In the shops with assistants there were employed 18,503 males and 17,211 females. During the year visits of inspection to the number of 9,955 were made, in the course of which wages-books were examined to see that the provisions of the Unemployment Act, 1930, and its amendments had been complied with in respect of the deduction of the emergency unemployment charge. Prosecutions numbered 45, in which 41 convictions were obtained ; fines, £59. Complaints were received respecting 442 alleged breaches of the Act, resulting in 32 prosecutions and 270 warnings. In 117 cases investigation showed that no breach had been committed, while in the remaining cases no action was considered necessary. Thirteen prosecutions were instituted for breaches which were discoverd by Inspectors, and warnings were given in other cases, being either first offences or of a minor nature. Thirty requisitions were served on occupiers of shops to comply with various requirements of the Act, such as for sanitary conveniences, heating-appliances, seating accommodation, and ventilation. INDUSTRIAL CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION ACT. Work done under the Act during the Year 1932-33. Industrial agreements filed .. .. .. .. .. .. 45 Awards of the Court of Arbitration .. .. .. .. .. 46 The awards and industrial agreements actually in force on the 31st March, 1933, total 406 (last year, 445). Work performed by Commissioners and Councils of Conciliation. Industrial agreements made under section 28 of the principal Act .. .. 22* Industrial agreements made under section sof the Amendment Act of 1932 29* Disputes where recommendations were substantially accepted or agreements reached and referred to the Court to make awards .. .. 47 Disputes where no settlement was arrived at .. .. 97

* Eight of these 51 agreements were on the application of the parties declared awards by the Court of Arbitration.

3

Year. Boya. Girls. Total. Year. Boys. Girls. Total. 1916-17 .. .. 1,158 1,251 2,409 1929-30 .. .. 1,077 1,746 2,823 1930-31 .. 655 1,059 1,714 1926-27 .. .. 1,199 1,547 2,746 1931-32 .. .. 420 843 1,263 1927-28 .. .. 1,030 1,614 2,644 1932-33 .. .. 509 1,067 1,576 1928-29 .. .. 981 1,603 2,584