H.—ll

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Men's Employment Branch. There has not been any great difficulty experienced in dealing with unemployment during the past year. A fair demand for men has been maintained, and almost all classes of trade have been catered for. A considerable number of workers have called at this office, and when employment could not be found advice has been given as to the locality where work could most likely be obtained. The total number of workers assisted through this office during the year was 165—viz., 143 single and 22 married men with 53 dependants. They were all assisted to private employment. Women's Employment Branch. This branch is now fully established and appreciated by employers. (For further particulars 'see separate report, page 42.) Conclusion. During the period 1 have visited almost all parts of the Wairarapa district. I wish to express my appreciation of the assistance always received from those persons with whom my duties have brought me into contact. I have, &c, J. Georgeson, Inspector of Factories. The Secretary of Labour and Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. NELSON. Sir, — Department of Labour, Nelson, 28th April, 1913. 1 have the honour to submit, for your consideration, my report on the administration of the various labour laws and other work of the Department in this district for the year ending the 31st March, 1913. General. The year just closed has been a prosperous one for both employers and employees. Reports from business people show that while there has been fluctuations in most trades good trade has been done, with an increase on previous years in nearly all departments. Except during the early part of the year trade has been very satisfactory in the building trades throughout the district. In the city 183 permits were issued, and new buildings to the value of £33,000 have been erected. In the country districts the estimated value of buildings erected is £20,000. In these trades the amount of labour available has not equalled the demand, and employers have continually made inquiries at the Department's office for men. This has been most noticeable in reference to carpenters and painters. The furnishing trade in all branches has been very active. A number of labour-saving machines has been installed in various factories, but, notwithstanding, there has been a good demand for operatives to cope with the increasing volume of work. Owing to the difficulty of obtaining competent cabinetmakers, a considerable amount of overtime has been worked in the trade. The increased demand for all classes of timber has had a good effect on the sawmilling industry, and all mills have made full time. During the month of February last sawmillers in the Sounds and Pelorus Valley had a very anxious time owing to bush-fires. These fires destroyed a considerable amount of standing bush which the district could ill afford to lose, as timber is becoming very difficult to obtain within reasonable distance of rail or sea, and, as a sequence, the price of timber advances as the distance of haulage increases. No difficulty lias been experienced in placing good sawmill hands or bush men. Engineering trades in all brandies have been normal, and tradesmen have made full time. Employers state that, although there has been no apparent rush of work, they are satisfied with the amount of business done for the year. There has been a steady development in the boot trade, chiefly on order work. Employers state that the public are demanding a better class of boot, and prefer boots made to measure. All operatives have been kept busy during the year. There are a set number of men employed in the saddlery and harnessmaking trade. Employers report that trade lias been quite up to the average of previous years. The tailoring, clothing, and dressmaking trades have had an exceptionally busy year. There has been a continual demand for all classes of labour in the tailoring and dressmaking workrooms, and it has been impossible to obtain hands to carry out orders. A considerable amount of overtime has been worked in all branches of the clothing trade. Trade in brick and pottery works has been normal, and at no time during the year has the demand for bricks exceeded the supply on hand. Notwithstanding the ever-increasing number of motor-cars in the district, the coachbuilding and wheelwright trade continues to grow. The demand for all classes of vehicles has been very good, and in one or two factories considerable extensions have been made to plants. The slaughtermen's strike in no way affected the local freezing-works, and the present year is the best experienced since the works were opened. Just now the works present a very busy appearance, and up to date 30,000 carcases of mutton have been prepared for export. Fellmongers and tanners report a prosperous year, with fair markets. The growing tendency is to deal with wool and hides locally, and new plants have been installed in one or