H.—ll

XXIV

The following table shows the total number of workers assisted since the establishment of the branches in 1908: — 1908 (ten months) ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,542 1909-10 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,655 1910-11 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,244 1911-12 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,215 1912-13 ... ... ... ... ... 2,072 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 11,728 LIBRARY. The number of publications housed in the departmental library continues to grow, and there is now a large number of volumes available dealing with economic, industrial, and social matters in all parts of the world. Particulars of all new volumes added are given each month in the Labour Journal under the heading " Recent Accessions." Many valuable publications have been received during the year, amongst which may be mentioned those issued by the British Board of Trade, dealing with the earnings and hours of workpeople in the United Kingdom. From the United States Government reports have been received dealing with the condition of women and child wage-earners. The determinations of Wages Boards and awards from the several Australian States also continue to be regularly supplied. As has been previously explained, the library is open during office hours to any person interested in social and economic affairs. DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATIONS. During the year the various awards and judgments of the Arbitration Court and agreements under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act were published in the usual way in the Book of Awards (comprising eleven separate parts). The bound volume for 1912, which is the thirteenth edition, is about to be published, and will contain a complete index of the various recommendations, agreements, awards, and important judgments under the Act since its inception to the 31st December, 1912. This index should prove very useful for reference, and the latest award or agreement in force in each industry is very clearly indicated. Volume xi of " Decisions of the Arbitration Court under the Workers' Compensation Act " for 1912, was also issued. It contains a complete index of cases published in Volumes i to xi, together with a digest of important cases contained in the volume. This digest, together with the digest of the decisions published in Volume xiii of the Book of Awards, was compiled by Mr. W. A. Sim, Barrister and Solicitor, Wellington. The Journal of the Department has also been issued at regular monthly intervals. The information, compiled by the several agents of the Department, as to trade and employment conditions generally is widely read. A very large number of these reports is sent monthly to the High Commissioner for distribution to correspondents inquiring as to employment conditions in New Zealand. I would like to see a larger list of subscribers in New Zealand itself. If the Journal is to be maintained at its present high standard the public must be prepared to give it a more generous support. GENERAL. During the year the correspondence branch has been brisk. There was a total of 13,372 inward letters and 1,439 telegraphic communications, whilst the corresponding figures regarding outward matter were 17,100 and 1,632 respectively. There have also been the usual circulars despatched to occupiers of factories and shops in connection with annual returns required ; notices to the number of many thousands sent out with copies of awards of the Arbitration Court to employers concerned; and the usual large number of circulars dealing with other matters. The work of this branch continues to steadily increase. During the year the Department lost the services of a very valued and zealous officer in Mr. James Shanaghan, who retired on superannuation at the end of December last. Mr. Shanaghan joined the Department in February, 1892 (almost at its inception). During the last seven years of his service he was stationed at Auckland as Officer in Charge. Right throughout his twenty-one years' service Mr. Shanaghan retained the confidence and respect of the departmental officers, and his retirement was viewed with very general regret. Mr. Shanaghan was not only universally popular'in his own Department, but a large circle of friends outside — both employers and workers — testified to his sterling worth as a zealous, painstaking, and thoroughly conscientious Civil servant,