LXVII

H.—ll

The following is a summary of the business done for the past twelve months :—

It will be seen from the foregoing table that the business has increased considerably, the total number of applicants for the year being 3,528, comprising 2,567 from employers, and 961 from workers. 789 workers were found employment, and 172 were not suited. These were people who either did not want work, or were unsuited for the class of employment they were seeking, and, in some cases, we could not give them the necessary recommendation. Of the 789 employees suited, 49 were married and 740 were single, and 108 of these were new arrivals, I have, &c, J. Mitchell, The Secretary, Department of Labour, Wellington. Officer in Charge.

DUNEDIN. SiR, — Hi Department of Labour (Women's Branch), Dunedin, 13th April, 1910. I have the honour to place before you the annual report of the operations of this branch of the Department for the year ending 31st March, 1910. Whilst the Women's Employment Branch is, so to speak, in its infancy, its operations are becoming more widely known, as evidenced by the number of applications registered during the past twelve twelve months, totalling some 2,242. The applications registered were as follows : From employers, 1,449, and from employees, 793. Of the latter, 526 were placed in employment. As was predicted, the usefulness and success of the Branch have been well maintained, clear evidence of which, apart from the above figures, is expressed in the letters which have been received, from both mistresses and maids, expressing their appreciation and gratitude for the help afforded through its agency. While the very keen demand for general servants, especially from private employers, has increased, on the other hand, applicants for that class of work have considerably diminished. The unwillingness to accept private employment, especially in the capacity of " general," is very marked. The objections made by assistants regarding private employment are very numerous, one of the most frequently heard being, "We never know when our work is done " —a multiplicity of duties such as cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, waiting at table, &c. —whereas in public institutions and hotels there are definite duties to be performed, the working-hours are defined, and, furthermore, the wages are higher. Thus, the inducements to seek employment outside of private houses are very considerable. Albeit many private employers offer good wages, numerous outings, and even assistance with the household duties, the securing of domestic workers is difficult in the extreme. Apart from the workers mentioned, assistance has been given to women and girls following other occupations, such as factory employees, shop-assistants, dressmakers, &c. I have, &c, M. S. Hale, The Secretary for Labour, Wellington. Officer in Charge.

x—H. 11.

Applications from Employers. Applications from Assistants. Engagement made. Cooks Generals Housemaids Housekeepers To assist in housework Waitresses Lady-helps Couples (married) Nurses Parlourmaids Kitohenmaids Laundresses Barmaids Day-workers Coat hands (Tailoring) Machinists „ Governess Shirtmakers Canvassers Bag-makers Farm hands Companions Factory-work Teacher Shop-assistants .. Bookbinder 451 1,110 350 66 24 146 131 70 54 42 35 47 6 22 2 1 1 6 3 117 411 153 57 6 58 47 40 21 15 ! i 3 18 ' 99 396 127 25 6 43 32 19 10 12 1 2 12 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 3 1 • 1 2 Total I 2,567 961 789