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Overtime. Overtime warrants were issued for 13 females over sixteen years of age, who worked 116 hours: and for 6 males over sixteen, who worked 43 hours : total, 19 persons, 159 hours. Sanitation. The sanitary arrangements of the town are not what can be called perfect. There were quite a number of improvements made in this respect in accordance with instructions given by the Deputy Chief Inspector on his last visit to the district. More personal attention is required on the part of employers to see that the ordinary laws of cleanliness are carried out on their premises, as employees are exceedingly careless in this respect. Labour. For the year ending the 31st March, 1904, employment was found for 125 men, having 284 dependants, on the co-operative works, Coal Creek Railway. For the same period 68 men were found work by the Railway Department at ballasting, while 18 others were sent to the North Island Main Trunk Railway and 12 to the Midland Railway ; many others were assisted towards getting private employment. Of the above number of men employed at Coal Creek works, it is gratifying to be able to record the fact that no disputes occurred to interfere with the progress of the works, or to harass the officers having control of them, and I deem it my duty to testify to the excellence of the cooperative system as being, in my opinion, an admirable and equitable one for all classes of workmen when administered by capable and practical officers. It is pleasing also to be able to state that, of the large number of "all sorts and conditions of men" seeking employment and passing through the books since I have had the honour of conducting this branch of the Department, the utmost good feeling and harmony existed in all dealings between the applicants and the Department, and one and all highly appreciate the efforts made by the Government on their behalf. Exports. The exports of timber and minerals from the Port of Greymouth for the year ending the 31st March, 1904, were as follows : Timber, 19,945,937 ft.; bricks, 1,349 tons; coal, 178,431 tons; sleepers, 97,776; coke, 1,848 tons. The sawmilling and flax-dressing industries are steadily expanding on the West Coast, and increasing their respective outputs. Business in all trades in Greymouth during the year has been very satisfactory, and at present is in a sound and flourishing condition, and there is every prospect of a continued prosperity, as the population of the town is rapidly increasing. Many additions and improvements have been made to business premises, and a number of handsome private residences have been erected during the year. The building trades have been very brisk during the year. In conclusion, I desire to state that, with one exception only, I have found factory-owners courteous and reasonable at all times to deal with, and willing to comply with the Act. I have, &c, James Isdell, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. Inspector of Factories.

HOKITIKA. Sic, — Police-station, Hokitika, 13th April, 1904. I have the honour to forward my annual report for the year ending the 31st March, 1904. The prosperity of this district, which has very perceptibly increased during the last few years, has made a still further decided improvement this last twelve months, with every prospect that it will be lasting. The railway-bridge, which is now nearly completed over the Hokitika River, will give easy access to the large and valuable bush south of the river. There is no lack of work, all classes being fully occupied, and house and land property is going up in value. The causes which have contributed most materially to this result are the timber, flax, and dredging industries, which have also been the means of considerably increasing our population. The burgesses of Hokitika have just decided to obtain a loan of £33,000 to expend in drainageworks, which will give employment to a large number for some time to come. Thirty-six factories were registered last year, giving employment to 161 hands. The various Acts are working very smoothly. No complaints have been received from either employers or employees. The weekly half-holiday is rigidly observed. I have, &c, Wm. Folley, Inspector of Factories. E. Tregear, Esq., Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington.

RANGIORA. Sic, — Department of Labour, Rangiora, 6th April, 1904. I respectfully report that there are 68 factories in this district, employing in all 262 males and 42 females of all ages. There has been a fair amount of work done in all branches for the year. No accidents have been reported, and no prosecutions have taken place. The Shops and Shop-assistants Act appears to work fairly well in this district.

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