H.—ll

XV

The conditions of employment of shop-assistants in this district are satisfactory—very little overtime is worked, their comfort is well looked after by their employers, sanitary conveniences are provided in accordance with the requirements of the Act, and seating-accommodation is provided in all shops for female assistants. Servants' Registry Offices Act; There are 4 offices registered under the Act. I have paid visits of inspection to each of them several times during the year, and I have found them well conducted in every way. An investigation of the books prove the fees charged to be strictly in. accordance with schedule: Scaffolding Inspection Act: The provisions of this Act have been generally well observed by the builders of this district; ill all cases where necessary under the Act notice of intention to erect scaffolding has been sent to this office, and forwarded by me to the Inspector of Scaffolding. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. Although the enforcement of the provisions of this Act necessitates a great deal of travelling for the purpose of inspection, the work in connection therewith in this district is comparatively light. There are very few awards or agreements in operation in the district, and I am pleased to say there have not been any serious differences or dissensions in any of the trades under award or agreement. There have been a number of trivial irregularities, due to carelessness or want of knowledge of the provisions of the particular award or agreement ; in all such cases immediate compliance with the provisions of the award or agreement have been made when the irregularities have been pointed out. No complaints have been received from employees working under award or agreement. Shearer's Accommodation Act. I visited a number of sheds during the shearing-season, and found the accommodation provided satisfactory in every way. Conclusion. In conclusion, I desire to express my thanks to the District Health Officer and the local Inspectors for the assistance they have given me in carrying out my various duties. I have also to thank the employers of this district for the courteous manner in which they have met me, and for their ready compliance with my many requests. I have, &c, Harry Willis, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. Inspector of Factories.

WANGANUI. Sir, — Department of Labour, Wanganui, 14th April, 1910. I have the honour to submit my report on the work of the Department in the Wanganui district for the year ended 31st March, 1910. The Trade and Labour Market. It is gratifying to be able to report that trade generally has shown a decided improvement on that of the previous year, although money has perhaps not been as plentiful as in former years. The last few months have shown a decided improvement, business generally has been much more buoyant, and the outlook is said to be bright. The building trade, which was very slack during the previous year, has almost entirely recovered, and the value of building-permits issued for the Borough of Wanganui during the year amounted to £76,216. In addition to this, a very large number of cottages have been erected in the adjoiningboroughs, and, all things considered, the year has been a very good one as far as the building trade is concerned, and all operatives connected therewith have been fairly well employed. The furniture trade has been only moderate, and quite a number of journeymen were either out of work or working only part time during the winter ; but this trade has considerably improved during the last couple of months, and operatives are now fairly well employed. Brickmaking has also been very busy for some time, and is likely to continue so, as several of the firms still have large orders to complete. Freezing industry : Although the company operating in this district showed a loss on the year's working, owing to the low prices obtained in the home markets, still the works were kept going, and employment given to a very large number of men. Dairying : The butter and cheese factories have had a very successful season. The supply of milk being quite 25 per cent, in advance of last year, and as the prices have been good, the farmers are exceedingly well satisfied with the year's work. Employment branch : During the early part of the year considerable depression was felt, and a large number of men (mostly labourers) were out of employment. Owing to the low prices obtaining at Home in regard to mutton, &c, landholders were not carrying out the improvements usual at that time of the year, with the result that a great number of able-bodied men were calling each day