H.—ll

XXI

datidn. In nearly all cases where full accommodation, additional buildings, or extensive alterations were ordered last year, the notices have been fully complied with, and in some cases sheepfarmers asked to be furnished with plans of accommodation required by the Act. These requests have been granted immediately by supplying all information on the subject, and also photographs of existing and up-to-date shearers' accommodation. In the majority of cases where improvements have not been carried out, the cause can be traced to either the transfer of properties, the difficulties of carting the necessary materials to the various stations (owing to the very bad roads), or the inability on the part of the owner to obtain the necessary skilled labour for the erection of the premises required. On receipt of information from an Inspector, pointing out that extenuating circumstances existed which caused delay in carrying out the terms of notices served, and the excuse being found to be of a valid nature, an extension of time has been granted for the execution of the work required. In only one instance has it been found necessary to apply to a Magistrate for an order to enforce the carrying-out of improvements ordered by the Department. Several complaints have been received in various parts of the Dominion as to the inadequate accommodation provided for the shearers on certain stations. These complaints have been thoroughly investigated, but only in a few instances were they found to be justified. The defects were ordered to be remedied forthwith, and as a general rule the improvements have been made good. A total of 428 places were inspected, showing an increase of 108 over last year's total inspection. Three hundred and nine were found to be satisfactory, in 36 cases full accommodation was required, in 14 cases extensive additions were necessary, and in 69 instances minor alterations only required attention. The whole of the improvements required were brought to the attention of the owners of the stations by written notice, and it is hoped that the Department's requirements will be completed before the next shearing season commences. Details showing the inspections made and conditions of the accommodation provided in the several districts of the Dominion are given at the end of the report (page cxiii). There was one case taken to Court for failing to provide adequate accommodation for farm labourers, in accordance with a notice from the Inspector. The Magistrate made an order for the accommodation ordered by the Inspector to be provided within three months —viz., a new building 40 ft. by 15 ft., two rooms, weatherboarded, iron roof, matohlined, seating-accommoda-tion in dining-rooms, one bunk for each worker, suitable ventilation, and windows open if necessary; a 400-gallon tank for water, and one W.C. Costs, including Inspector's expenses, amounting to £1 17s. were allowed the Department. It has been proposed to make this Act more workable by redrafting it, specifying more definitely the requirements as to accommodation, but chiefly providing for a more expeditious method of obtaining compliance with the notices of Inspectors. While, as has been mentioned, most stationholders comply with the notices issued, there are instances where such is not the case, and, owing to the cumbersome procedure of the existing Act, it frequently takes two or even three years to obtain compliance. The proposed procedure should prove less expensive to carry out, more satisfactory to the shearers who live in the accommodation provided, and at the same time it should not press more severely on employers except those who endeavour to escape from the operations of the Act. Scaffolding Inspection Act. Much good has been done by means of the inspection-work carried out under this Act in the direction of ordering the pulling-down or alteration of inferior scaffolding. From the reports of the Inspectors of Scaffolding appended particulars of the work done will be obtained. In connection with the working of this Act it has been suggested that better protection for workers employed in connection with the erection, demolition, or alteration of buildings should be provided by widening the scope of the Act to cover all such work instead of merely work done upon scaffolding, 6Vc. In accordance with this suggestion a report has been prepared, and in all probability suggestions will be made to you to alter the present law. There were thirty-one cases taken before the Court under the Act for the following offences :— Failing to notify Inspector of intention to erect scaffolding over 16 ft. in height ... ... ... ... ... 26 Failing to notify Inspector of accident within forty-eight hours ... ... 5