H.—ll.

saw, mostly due to carelessness on the part of the injured ones. Special attention has been given to guarding all machinery where dangerous, and employers show a desire to do what is required by them when same is pointed out. I am pleased to say I have no difficulty in getting them to comply with my instructions.

Table as per Form J.

Shops and Shop-assistants Act. There is no great difficulty in the working of this Act, although there is still the same trouble existing in respect to the subject-matter which I referred to in my last report, and the continuance of this caused discontent with the business-people, who desire to treat their employees, as they should do, fairly. I need not here point out the defects, as it would only be a repetition of what has been previously pointed out. I think it is to be regretted that some provision has not been made for shop-assistants being paid overtime when compelled to come back at night. In very few instances is'there any payment for such work, and I am still of opinion the Act should apply to all assistants, clerical or otherwise. " The Shops and Shop-assistants Acts Amendment Act, 1901," where it applies to chemists closing on the half-holiday as prescribed therein, has given great satisfaction, I may say, to all, and not a single complaint has reached me from either proprietors, or assistants, or the general public. I trust the time is not far distant when we shall have all shops closed on the same half-holiday as factories, be it Wednesday or Saturday. Wednesday is the day most suitable to this district, and employers and employees prefer it to Saturday. Servants' Registry Offices Act. This Act is working very satisfactorily. There are seven offices registered in this district; no complaints have reached me during the period ; by seeing that their books are kept properly and by frequent visits to their offices little chance is given of overcharges, &c, being made. All offices are well conducted. Labour. During the period 31 men, having 63 depending on them, have been sent to the Government railway-works and to private employment. Most of the men sent to private employment are new arrivals from other parts. It will therefore be seen that there are very few bond fide unemployed in this district. Through the slump in the dredging industry a large number of men were thrown out of employment. I am pleased to say, however, that many of them have now got work in other occupations. Generally speaking, the condition of the workers is fairly good ; but, while wages have increased in nearly all trades, the cost of living in proportion exceeds the increase of wages, but this has been brought about, I think, in many instances to rebut a fair wage being given to employees, and it is only a matter of time when it must find its own level. The town and district in general are prosperous, and large buildings are going up in all directions. During the period new buildings and additions to the value of £55,680 were erected in Invercargill alone. This large increase itself testifies to the prosperity prevailing in this town. In conclusion, I have to thank all my duties have brought me in contact with for their courtesy and consideration. I have, &c, J. B. Lindsay, Inspector of Factories. E. Tregear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington.

WINTON. Sir,— Winton, 25th April, 1902. I have the honour to report that the labour laws have been observed during the year in this district, no breaches of any of the labour Acts of any consequence having been committed during the year. No dissatisfaction has been displayed at the enforcement of the labour and Factory Acts. Employer and employee have been working in perfect harmony during the year.

XXIV

Hours r orked. Number of Persons. Total Houn worked. Males. Females. Tailoring Dressmaking Printing and bookbinding Woollen-mills Bootmakiug Millinery Carriage-building Engineering Moulding Plumbing Furniture and cabinet making Photography Repairing cycles... "l 12 471 18 24 69 2,331 1,998 36 336 23 250 105 93 6 40 8 11 2 47 2 6 13 4 6 2,331 1,998 36 336 24 250 12 471 18 24 69 24 18 24 18 Total 613 4,998