H.—1.1

LVIII

HASTINGS. Factories Act. —There are 106 factories registered in the Hastings district, employing 841 males and'l27 females, a total of 968. .. Shops Act. —There are 128 shops registered in this district. During the year several requisitions for early closing came into force, with the result that it has been necessary in several cases to refer breaches of the same to the Magistrate. With the exception of one case, the decisions were favourable to the Department. Servants' Registry Offices—There are 4 registry offices in this district, all of which are well conducted.

WESTPORT. The demand for labour has decreased considerably during the year, and a good number of men have been put off from the mines. The railway-construction works are also at a standstill at present, and the men formerly employed have been dismissed pending the letting of the work by contract. When these contracts are let it will relieve the town of a certain amount of congestion that is affecting it at the present moment. During the year I received 207 applications for employment, and found work for 141 persons. Returns of factories and shops forwarded during the year show the registration of 90 factories and 92 shops.

BLENHEIM. Factories Act.— During the year 102 factories wore registered, employing 410 males and 51 females. This is a slight increase on the number of factories registered and the number of hands employed. Shops and Offices Act.— During the year 88 shops have been registered, employing 180 persons. The various provisions of the Act have been working very smoothly, and very little overtime was worked. Accidents. —Only 2 accidents were reported during the year. They occurred at flax-mills, and they were both very slight. Servants' Registry Offices Act.— Only one office was registered during the year. The occupier fulfilled a much-needed want, and he reports good business for the year. It is conducted very satisfactorily, and no complaints have been received. Shearers' Accommodation Act. —The sheds visited during the year were very satisfactory, with the exception of one. In this case a notice was served, and arrangements are now being made to have everything in order before next shearing commences. At the small stations the meals are generally taken in the homestead. Unskilled Labour. —There has been no extra demand for this class of labour during the year. At harvest time farmers were well supplied, but there has been very little demand for strangers. Though the various flax-mills in this district are working- full time, local hands can supply all the labour required.

OAMARU. Factories Act.— Registration of 132 factories was effected during the twelve months ended 31st March, 1910. Shops and Offices Act.— There are 151 shops registered for the year, employing 259 males and 116 females. These figures show the number of employees to be about the same as last year. Shopkeepers generally appear anxious to fall in with the requirements of the Act. Good accommodation is supplied for workers, and attention is given to the proper observance of hours, wages, records, &c. Servants' Registry Offices Act.— There are 4 offices registered, all of which are satisfactorily conducted. Unskilled Labour. —Of a total of 91 applications, positions have been secured for 22 single and 9 married men, supporting 32 relatives. Five applicants were placed on the Catlin's- Government works, whilst the remainder (26) went to private employment. It is pleasing to be able to report very little unemployment in Oamaru, and there should be little difficulty in securing work in the coming winter.

GORE. I respectfully report that for the year ending 31st March, 1910, 91 factories and 83 shops were registered m the Gore district, which includes the Town of Gore and the townships of Mandeville, Riversdale, Pukerau, and Waikaka. . The building trade is kept busy, and a large staff of bricklayers and carpenters are at work, and have been for the past nine months. There is every prospect of a good year ahead. The same may be said concerning painters, plumbers, and paperhangers.