H.—ll.

Inspections were again made during the year to ensure that the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act relating to the weight of bread and the provisions of the Weights and Measures Regulations relating to the sale of coal, coke, and firewood were being complied with, resulting in 28 prosecutions (12 in respect of short-weight bread and 16 for breaches in connection with the sale of coal, coke, and firewood). These prosecutions are included in the figures given in the second paragraph above. LEAD PROCESS REGULATIONS. These regulations are framed to protect workers from the danger of lead poisoning in factories where lead paints are manufactured or prepared, and also in places where painting operations are carried on. One case of suspected lead poisoning was reported during the year, the employee concerned being absent for approximately three months. The regulations are generally being well observed, but three cases were referred to the Health Department for investigation of the working-conditions of the employees, while in two other cases no action was taken as the firms concerned were moving to new premises. TAILORING TRADE REGULATIONS. These regulations were gazetted in 1925 to prevent the misuse of such expressions as " tailor made " and " hand made " as applied to garments made to measure, some of which are made partly by machine process. In one instance factory-made garments were found to be incorrectly described in an advertisement, which, when attention was drawn to the matter, was immediately withdrawn. Proceedings were not considered necessary. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE. The nineteenth session of the International Labour Conference was convened for the 4th June, 1935. New Zealand was represented at this Conference, the delegation consisting of two Government representatives, one employers' representative, and one workers' representative. The items on the agenda paper for discussion at the Conference were as follows : — I. Maintenance of rights in course of acquisition and acquired rights under invalidity, old age, and widow' and orphans' insurance on behalf of workers who transfer their residence from one country to another. 11. Employment of women on underground work in mines of all kinds. 111. Unemployment among young persons. IV. The recruiting of labour in colonies and in other territories with analogous labour conditions. V. Holidays with pay. VI. Reduction of hours of work, with special reference to — (a) Public works undertaken or subsidized by Governments. (b) Iron and steel. (c) Building and contracting. (d) Glass-bottle manufacture. (e) Coal-mines. VII. Partial revision of the Hours of Work (Coal Mines) Convention, 1931. EXPENDITURE DURING THE YEAR. Salaries and allowances (including salaries of nominated members, Court of Arbitration), £ temporary assistance, and agents' remuneration .. .. .. .. .. 34,298 Fees, travelling-expenses, &c., in connection with work of Conciliation Councils and the Court of Arbitration .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,550 Printing, stationery, office requisites, and equipment, rent, cleaning, heating and lighting of offices, advertising, postage, telegrams, telephones, &c. .. .. .. .. 5,789 Travelling-expenses, &c., of Inspectors, including cost of bicycles, motor-cycles, &c. .. 3,356 Fares, board and lodging, &c., advanced to persons proceeding to employment .. .. 304 Miscellaneous expenditure .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 185 £48,482 Less recoveries— £ Fares, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 332 Sale of publications .. .. .. .. .. .. 156 Inspectors' travelling-costs .. . . . . . . .. 1,536 Service to other Departments, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 7,919 Miscellaneous .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 139 10,082 £38,400 The above figures do not include items provided elsewhere than the Labour Department's vote ■—e.g., salary of Judge, Court of Arbitration.

10