H.—ls.

Examinations of Land Engineers, Engine-drivers, and Electric-tram Drivers. These examinations were held during the year at the various offices of the Inspectors of Machinery throughout the Dominion at the regular intervals provided for in the regulations. In addition, a few special examinations were granted, but the holding of special examinations is not encouraged, as it is considered that the regular examinations are of sufficient frequency, and, except in very exceptional circumstances, candidates are expected to arrange that they may attend the scheduled examinations. The full list of places where the examinations were held is shown in an appended return, as also is the number of candidates examined at each place. The classes of certificates for which examinations were held were — Steam-winding-engine Driver. Extra First-class Stationary Engineer. First-class Engine-driver. Second-class Engine-driver. Locomotive-engine Driver. Traction-engine Driver. Locomotive and Traction Engine Driver. Electric-tram Driver. Electric-tram Driver (One-man Car). The total number of candidates examined was 570. Of this number, 418 were successful and 152 failed in their examinations. Four hundred and seventy-seven certificates were issued, which includes 418 to successful candidates, the remainder being replacements and issues under the provisions of sections 53, 59, and 62 of the Inspection of Machinery Act, 1928, and certificates of service under the provisions of section 2 of the Tramways Amendment Act, 1910, as amended by section 6 of the Tramways Amendment Act, 1913. Examination of Marine Engineers. During the year 237 candidates were examined for Marine Engineers' Certificates of Competency at the various centres throughout the Dominion. Of these, thirty-seven candidates were examined for third-class ; thirty-four for Second- and First-class Steam and Motor Certificates of Imperial validity; and one candidate for First-class Coastal Motor Certificate. Of the thirty-seven third-class, who presented themselves for examination, nineteen were successful and eighteen unsuccessful; of the fifteen second-class steam, motor, and motor endorsement candidates examined, nine were successful and six unsuccessful; of the nineteen candidates examined for first-class steam, motor, and motor endorsement, ten were successful and nine unsuccessful in the examination. The candidate for first-class coastal motor was successful. In the case of first-class candidates the above particulars are comprised of one candidate for steam certificate, who failed ; four candidates for motor certificates, of whom two were successful; and fourteen candidates for motor endorsement, of whom eight were successful. In the case of second-class candidates the foregoing return comprised eight candidates for steam certificates, of whom four were successful; six candidates for motor certificates, of whom four were successful ; and one candidate for motor endorsement, who was successful. Of the ten successful candidates for first-class examination nine passed at the first attempt and one passed at the second attempt. Of the nine successful candidates for second-class examination, six passed at the first attempt and three at the second attempt. Of the nineteen successful candidates for third-class examination, seventeen passed at the first attempt and two at the second attempt. The only candidate examined for First-class Coastal Motor Certificate was successful at the first attempt. The summary for third, second, and first class examination is 55 per cent, passed and 45 per cent, failed, which represents the same percentage passed as last year. The remaining 165 candidates were examined for P.Y.O.S. and River Engineer Certificates of Competency. Of these, 107, 83 of whom were successful, were examined for sea-going vessels propelled by some motive power other than steam ; 51, 42 of whom were successful, for service in vessels plying within restricted limits propelled by some motive power other than steam ; 7, 5 of whom were successful, for steam-driven vessels plying within restricted limits. The reduction of candidates presenting themselves for third-class examination during the year is 20 per cent., and covering the last two years the reduction has been 37 per cent. Yet previous to this the number of candidates presenting themselves yearly had been comparatively steady. The reduction over this period has perhaps been caused by the increased demand for junior sea-going engineers, who have accepted such positions on completing their apprenticeship, before obtaining the Third-class Marine Certificate. Also another factor contributing to the decrease is that another year or so must elapse before the apprentices who commenced their time during the trade recovery period have completed their apprenticeship and become eligible to sit. On the other hand, the improved shipping conditions have steadily increased the number of candidates sitting for the higher-grade certificates, which shows an increase of 88 per cent, since 1935.

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