H.—ls.

number engaged and discharged was 12,235 and 12,697 respectively, as against 11,568 and 14,460 respectively, during the previous financial year. The transactions at the four main ports were as follows (the figures in parentheses being those of the previous year) : —

Inspection or Seamen. This service has been maintained. A record of seamen applying for work is kept for the purpose of filling vacancies as they occur. Sick and Injured Seamen. The total amount paid by shipowners to sick and injured seamen under the provisions of the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, and its amendments was £16,025 4s. 2d., as against £21,814 Bs. 2d., a decrease of £5,789 4s. Examination of Maeine Engineers. During the year 319 (214) candidates were examined for marine engineers' certificates of competency at the various examination centres throughout the Dominion. Of the 190 (104) candidates who were examined for third-class certificates, and second- and firstclass ordinary certificates of Imperial validity, for service in sea-going steamships, 65 (34) third-class, 12 (14) second-class, and 18 (17) first-class were successful; and 62 (15) third-class, 7 (5) second-class, and 26 (19) first-class candidates failed in the examinations. The remainder of the candidates, 129 (110) in all, were examined for certificates of competency which are valid in New Zealand only. Of these, 73—55 of whom were successful—were examined for service in sea-going vessels propelled by some motive agent other than steam, 44—38 of whom were successful —for service in vessels propelled by some motive agent other than steam plying within restricted limits, and 12—8 of whom were successful—for service in steam-driven vessels plying within restricted limits. The figures in parentheses indicate the attendance at the examinations held during the previous Formerly examinations for all grades of Marine Engineers' certificates were held at centres throughout the Dominion, but since the coming into force of the revised regulations examinations for certificates which are valid in New Zealand only are held at all of these centres. Candidates for third-class certificates, and second- and first-class ordinary and motor certificates of Imperial validity may now be examined at the four principal centres only—viz., Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington. Examinations for extra first-class certificates are held at Wellington only. During the course of the year amended rules for the examination of marine engineers (steam) were brought into force. Provision was also made for the examination of motor-engineers and an examination to enable the holder of a steam certificate to obtain motor endorsement, enabling the holder to act in respect of both steam and motor engines. This has reference to certificates having Imperial validity—in effect, certificates which are accepted anywhere in the world. This recognition is obviously of great importance to certificated holders, and must be maintained. But in order to ensure its maintenance it is clear that we must maintain a standard of training, education, and examination equal to that of the Marine Department of the Board of Trade. Provision has also been made for the examination of candidates for the extra first-class certificates. Complaints have been received that a certain number of candidates have been refused examination because their apprenticeship has not been served, or insufficiently served, on the various classes of work laid down by the Board of Trade as qualifying, whole time or part time. It has been contended that the candidate for his first examination has been adversely affected by the new rules. This is not the case, so far as the rules are concerned—in fact, the contrary is the case—for the rules have been eased, from the candidate's point of view, in two ways : Under the old rules, if a candidate at the expiry of his apprenticeship, found himself somewhat short of full qualifying time, he could not be examined. Under the new rules he may make up the shortage by working as an improver or journeyman on qualifying work. Again, under the old rules a candidate had to secure 66f per cent, in every division of the examination. Under the new rules the pass percentage has been amended to require only an average of 60 per cent, in the total of all divisions—that is to say, if a candidate's marks are only 50 per cent, in one division the shortage may be balanced against a 75 per cent, pass in another division. Coincident with the new rules, and still with the object of assuring Imperial recognition of our certificate, it became necessary, as it always has been from time to time, to check up the classification of the engineering shops and ascertain whether or not they were still entitled to the of full-time training-shops. This depends on the class of work which is being regularly performed. The result of this examination revealed in certain cases that the incidence of work and the quality of it had changed, and therefore the shop could no longer be regarded as full-time.

8

Auckland Wellington Lyttelton Dunedin Port. Engagements. 3,606 5,200 979 1,015 » (4,405) (5,860) (1,163) (916) 3, 5, 1, Discharges. 860 156 979 121 (4,498) (5,650) (1,135) (1,010) £ 692 913 164 190 s. 5 14 3 3 Fees. d. 0 0 (1 0 0 £ (815 ,022 (198 (181 s. 6 8 10 6 d. 0) 0) 0) 0)