a.—;ii.

XXXIII

ASHBURTON. Sir, — Department of Labour, Ashburton, 6th April, 1907. I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ending the 31st March, 1907. The year just closed has been of a fairly satisfactory nature to most of the shopkeepers, but there are some who complain that the business done has not come up to their expectations. Factories Act. The woollen-factory, although not working up to its full capacity, still keeps along quietly, and has worked a fair amount of overtime. The freezing-works will have a very good season this year, and of longer duration in consequence of the action of the slaughtermen which caused a break of two or three weeks, but in spite of this the success of the season should be very gratifying to all concerned. The Act is worldng well with the smaller factories. Employers and employees seem to be well satisfied, and I have had only one or two complaints in reference to the annual increase in wages not being paid up to time; in most instances this might haveJbeen"averted had the employees drawn the attention of the employers to the matter at the time. f~-f~] VT j ► ! Referring to the trades that have been well employed during the period I may specially mention the building trade, which has been busy all through the year, with every prospect of good times to come. There were 128 factories registered during the year, employing 614 males and 146 females—total, 760. v « • ' ' • [ £ J' Certificates numbering 17 have been issued during the year to persons under sixteen years of agenamely, 14 males and 3 females. Accidents. Seven accidents were reported during the year; with one exception none were serious. Sanitation. There is not very much to complain of in this respect, but there are still places that require the very closest attention. Overtime Permits. Permits have been issued to 14 males and 8 females ; 924 hours worked. Servants' Registry Offices Act. These offices are very well conducted, and cause me no trouble. Shops and Offices Act. This Act is working very well, and has caused me very little trouble, as the hours for females on the late night now are very well observed. Shearers' Accommodation Act. In my annual visit to the sheds I found the accommodation good. In conclusion I wish to express my thanks to all employers and others for the courtesy and consideration shown to me while in the execution of my various duties. \~ ] I have, &c, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. R. S. Bean, Inspector.

TEMUKA. SIR,— Police-station, 1 Temuka, 30th April, 1907. I beg to submit to you the annual report on the working of the various Acts under the Labour Department in the Temuka district for the year ending the 31st March, 1907. Factories Act. I have registered 51 factories in this district, employing 184 males and 26 females. The factories have all been fully employed during the year. Permits to work overtime have been granted to 10 persons, who worked 561 hours. No accidents have occurred in any of the factories, and no prosecutions have been entered into against any of the factory-owners for breaches of the Act. Shops and Offices Act. This Act has worked well here, and very little difficulty is experienced in its administration. Servants' Registry Offices Act. There are two of these offices in this district, and no complaints have been received as to their management. Labour. All classes of labour and tradesmen have been fully employed during the last year, especially those in the building trade. A large number of new shops, private residences, the new gasworks, and a new brick hotel have been erected. • I know of no idle men in the district, which appears to be in a very prosperous state. I have, &c, Geo. A. McQuarrie, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. Inspector of Factories.

v—H. 11.