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one end the cook was at work, in the centre of the room was the table, and at each side bunks arranged for the men to sleep in, and everything in a filthy condition. I drew the attention of the miller to this, and he then pulled the bunks down and erected tents for the men to sleep in. John Forster, Inspector of Factories. E. Tregear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories.

DANNEVIRKE. Sir, — Department of Labour, Dannevirke, 10th April, 1901. I beg to report that forty-five factories have this year been registered, as against forty-nine last year. During the past year two sawmills have moved from the district. ■ A third factory, which employed several hands in the manufacture of hosiery and underclothing, and had a valuable plant of knitting machinery for woollen goods, has, unfortunately, not been a financial success, and has ceased work in consequence. Two accidents happened in sawmills, with the machinery. In one case a man lost a portion of his hand through contact with the saw; the other case, which was not reported, led to serious injury, and it was found that in this case the protection to the machinery was defective. This led to a visit from the Inspector from Wellington to all the mills in the district, with the result that orders were given in several mills for the machinery to be better safeguarded. The mill-owners, m all cases, allege they were not aware their machinery was unsafe, and the defects had not previously been pointed out to them. A prosecution took place for failing to report an accident, and, under the Wages Protection Act, one in this district, and several in an adjoining district, for unlawful deduction of wages for insurance purposes. Convictions were recorded in all cases. In conclusion, I might add that, as far as I can see, all the factories and industries, with the one exception mentioned, seem to be in a prosperous condition. I have, &c, Walter H. Haddrell, Inspector of Factories. E. Tregear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories.

EKETAHUNA. Sir, —■ Police-station, Eketahuna, 3rd April, 1901. I have the honor to submit my labour report for the year ending 31st March, 1901. There have been nineteen factories as against twenty-five of preceding year registered at this office. This decrease is accounted for by several sawmills having been removed to other districts, and to others being closed down for a time. There are eighty-seven persons employed in the factories. There has been no trouble regarding the working of the Act, and no prosecutions for non-compliance with its provisions. Several other factories will be commencing operations during April, 1901 ; they will then be registered. A few minor accidents occurred at sawmills, but nothing of any serious consequence. Shops and Shop-assistants Act. There is no legal closing half-holiday, but Thursday is observed by the tradespeople by mutual agreement, and it appears to be well observed. There have been no prosecutions under the Act during the year, and no complaints. The Labour-market. During the year there has been a number of buildings erected in the district, notably the new Post-office, a fine brick building of two stories. Carpenters have been fully employed during the year, and do not complain of work being scarce. Blacksmiths and wheelwrights have been fully employed during the past year. The different storekeepers appear to have done fairly good business. A considerable amount of navvy-work has been going on on the roads; but there has not been the same amount of fencing and bush-work as during the preceding year, principally on account of the wet weather. There have been very few applicants for work during the past year. I have, &c, Chas. Grey, Inspector of Factories. E. Tregear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories.

MASTERTON. Sir, — Department of Labour, Masterton, 31st March, 1901. I beg to report for the information of the Hon. the Minister of Labour, that during the year 1900 there were seventy-nine factories registered in Masterton, as against eighty-three for this year, up to the present. The number of permits granted to young persons under sections 56 to 59 was seventeen for boys and three 4or girls. There were eighty-two permits for overtime of two hours each permit. The number of accidents reported was two, for which no blame could be attributed to the employers. There was one prosecution under the Employment of Boys or Girls Act, when defendant was ordered to pay back wages.

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