H.—ll

Labour.

Employment has been found on Government works for twenty-eight persons, having 127 depending on them. There has been an increase in wages all round within this last year. Generally speaking, the past year has been a most prosperous one, and all trades have been exceptionally busy, especially the engineers, ironfounders, and those engaged in the building trade. In the town of Invercargill eighty-three new buildings have been erected at a value of £25,560 —the rateable value over last year is £3,312. The suburbs have increased in proportion, and I believe business never was on a sounder footing. Business premises are at a premium. The progress enjoyed is not dependent on some precarious basis, but owes its.existence to the thrift, enterprise, and energy of the settlers in the district. In closing my report 1 desire to express my appreciation of the kindness and courtesy shown me by those whom my duties have brought me in contact with, and their willingness to fall in with any suggestions I may make. I have, &c, J. B. Lindsay, Inspector of Factories. E. Tregear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories.

Reports have also been received from Inspectors of Factories at—Amberley, Akaroa, Ashurst_' Alexandra South, Arrowtown, Bluff, Brunnerton, Bulls, Balclutha, Coalgate, Collingwood, Cam bridge, Clive, Culverden, Carterton, Clinton, Cromwell, Coromandel, Dargaville, Denniston, Eltham' Feilding, Featherston, Greytown, Gore, Geraldine, Hokianga, Hamilton, Herbertville, Hastings' Helensville, Hikurangi, Huntly, Hawera, Havelock, Hawkesbury, Hunterville, Hampden, Ingle" wood, Kaitangata, Kimbolton, Karangahake, Kihikihi, Kurow, Kumara, Kaikoura, Lawrence, Levin' Lyell, Lumsden, Lincoln, Leeston, Little River, Malvern, Marton, Milton, Middlemarch, Mosgiel' Methven, Mataura, Te Puke, Mangaweka, Meawhanga, Manaia, Ngaruawahia, New Plymouth' Naseby, Ngapara, Ormond, Otaki, Owaka, Ormondville, Oxford, Ohingaiti, Ophir, Outram, Otorohanga, Orepuki, Otahuhu, Onehunga, Opunake, Pleasant Point, Patea, Papakura, Pembroke, Pahi, Picton, Porootarao, Palmerston South, Pahiatua, Raglan, Roxburgh, Riverton, Rakaia, Rangiora, Ross, Rotorua, Russell, Reefton, Stratford, St. Bathan's, Cambridge, Te Aroha, Tapanui, Thames, Tenui, Te Awamutu, Upper Hutt, Waimate, Waihi, Waipawa, Whangaroa, Whangarei, Wyndham, Waitotara, Waitahuna, Wairoa, Waipukurau, Winton, Woodville, Waverley, and Waitara. These reports state that the various Acts are well observed, employment has been plentiful, and that business has generally been good throughout the year.

XVIII