PL—ll

XV

HOKITIKA. Sir, — Police-station, Hokitika, 7th March, 1901. I beg to report that thirty-three factories have registered this year. I have not had much trouble during the past year in carrying out the various Acts, but a vigilant supervision is necessary, more particularly in regard to the half-holiday for shops. There have been no public works in this district, but occasionally men are relieved by being sent to co-operative works, generally the Midland Railway Construction Works. A considerable number of men have been, and are still employed in constructing a water-race at Humphries' Gully, where good men are well paid. The building trade has been busy. I have, &c, Alex. McDonald, Agent, Labour Department, and Inspector of Factories. E. ' regear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories.

ASHBURTON. Sir,— Ashburton, 22nd March, 1901. I have the honour to submit my labour report for the year ending 31st March, 1901. In my district up to date there are sixty-five factories registered, a decrease of two from last year, although there has been an increase of hands in various factories. A numbeer of overtime permits have been granted during the year, and trade in general has been greatly increased. lam pleased to have to report that the Factories Act has worked very well during the year, and I have had no trouble in carrying out its provisions. Shops and SHOP-assiSTANTs Act. This Act has worked well during the year, there being only one prosecution—that of an Auctioneer, for keeping his auction-room open on the half-holiday—for which a conviction was recorded. Shearers' Accommodation Act. I made an inspection in November last, and found a vast improvement had been made in several places for the shearers' comfort. Unskilled Labour. I have received very few applications for employment during the year, and I am of opinion that this year has been one of the most prosperous this district has seen for many years. I have, &c, Edward Eade, Inspector of Factories. E. Tregear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories.

TEMUKA. Sir,— Police-station, Temuka, 30th March, 1901. I have the honour to submit the following report on the working of the labour laws in the Temuka District for the year ending 31st March, 1901: — Factories Act. I have registered thirty-five factories employing 153 persons. The factories have been fully occupied during the year. Permits have been granted to thirty-one persons to work 293 hours overtime. No accidents have been reported, and no prosecutions have been taken against any of the factory-owners. So far as I have observed, all factory-owners here do not in any way attempt to evade the law. Servants' Registry Offices Act. There is only one office in this district. No complaints have arisen as to management. Shops and Shop-assistants' Act. Employers and employes appear to understand the working of the Act, and there has been no difficulty in its administration. Labour. A number of new buildings have been erected during the year—amongst them a new Courthouse, which has been erected in brick. All classes residing in this district appear to be well employed. I have, &c, P. Cassidy, Inspector of Factories. E. Tregear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories.

TIMARU. Sir, — Labour Bureau Office, Timaru, 30th March, 1901. I have the honour to submit to you a report of the departments under my charge for the year ending 31st March, 1901,