H.—ls,

6

During the year 3,339 boilers with machinery attached were inspected, and certificates issued accordingly; also, 196 water-power machinery and 134 hydraulic and other lifts. In connection with these certificates, it would save the department and the steam-users a great amount of heartburning were the owners more prompt at taking up their certificates. There is an abated sum or reduction made if they are lifted within a month, and of an amount which should be a sufficient inducement for prompt lifting of certificates ; but in some cases it is not. In the future immediate steps will be taken to enforce the law in this direction. During the year 291 new boilers of 4,132 horse-power were added to our books, and of this number 130 were made in the colony and 161 imported. Two hundred and thirty-nine engine-drivers' certificates have been issued, and thirty-four candidates failed to pass during the year. Twenty accidents have been reported to me, six proving fatal, and fourteen not fatal. A full account of these appear later in this report. From the Ist of April, 1898, we have been under the Marine instead of the Public Works Department, which has tended to lessen the clerical part of my duties. I have visited during the year all the offices of the various Inspectors of Machinery, and, as far as possible, kept myself in touch with ironfounders and shipowners throughout the colony. Our work has made such rapid strides that our present staff cannot overtake it; and, as the law states that no boiler can be worked without a certificate, and none can be issued until a thorough examination is made, it is imperative that an additional Inspector should be appointed without delay. Appended are the tables of work in detail, numbered from 1 to 13 : (1.) Number and class of boilers inspected, fees payable on these ; the machinery inspected, and the fees payable thereon ; and the classes and numbers of engine-drivers' certificates issued, and fees payable therefor. (2.) Different classes of work for which the boilers and machinery are used, showing the motivepower also used. (3.) Eeturn of defects found on inspection of boilers. (4.) Eeturn of notices given to repair boilers. (5.) Return of notices given to fence dangerous parts of machinery. (6.) Return of the accidents which were not fatal. (7.) Eeturn of the accidents which proved fatal. (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13). Names of all candidates to whom certificates of competency and service as engine-drivers have been granted during the year. I have, &c, Egbert Duncan, The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. Chief Inspector of Machinery.

No. 1. Kbtubn showing the Number of Land Boilers and Machinery inspected, and for which Certificates are issued, for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1899. Stationary : 2285. Portable: 1,054. Machinery, including hydraulic lifts : 330. Total number: 3,669. Eetubn showing Fees payable for the Inspection of Boilers and Machinery, and for the issue of Engine-drivers' Certificates, during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1899. Fees payable on boilers : £3,591 10s. Fees payable on machinery : £52 10s. Engine-drivers' fees : £94 17s. Total amount: £3,738 17s. Twenty-one Government boilers and eight lifts (Government) inspected, not charged for, £33 10s. Return showing the Number of Service and Competency Certificates issued to Winding-, Traction-, and Locomotive-engine Drivers during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1899, and the Fees payable therefor. Steam-winding : Service certificates issued, 9 ; fees payable, £1 2s. 6d. Competency certificates issued, 65 ; fees payable, £32 10s. Total fees, £33 12s. 6d. Hydraulic winding : Service certificates issued, 1 ; fees payable, 2s. 6d. Competency certificates issued, 3 ; fees payable, £1 10s. Total fees, £1 12s. 6d. Traction and locomotive : Service certificates issued, 31 ; fees payable, £3 17s. 6d. Competency certificates issued, 130 ; fees payable, £65. Total fees, £68 17s. 6d. Total number: Service certificates issued, 41; fees payable, £5 2s. 6d. Competency certificates issued, 198; fees payable, £99. Total fees, £104 2s.'6d. . Total steam-winding certificates, 74 ; hydraulic-winding, 4; traction and locomotive, 161. Total certificates issued, 239.