H—ll

(4) The total number of factory workers was 162,802, an increase of 9,846, or 6-4 per cent., on the previous year's total of 152,956, but whereas last year the increase in total employees of 7-9 per cent, comprised a decrease in the number of females engaged and an increase in the number of males, this year both groups have increased. (5) Details of the distribution of units by the numbers of persons employed are shown in a somewhat different form. The following table indicates the position :

(6) The increase in the latter year is apparent in each group, and while the increase in the " two or less " group points to the establishing of new and small units, the great increase in the " six to ten " group may well indicate a growth in the average size of factories. Further evidence of this trend is found in the fact that the number of factory workers has increased proportionately more than the number of factories. (7) Juveniles in Factories. —The number of certificates of fitness issued under section 37 of the Factories Act, 1946, to enable young persons under sixteen years of age to be employed in factories shows no great difference from the previous year. The totals were 2,227 for 1946-47 and 2,244 for 1947-48. Details for the latter year are as follows: —

(8) When the number of certificates issued for the period of the school holidays is deducted from the total, the " other " certificates— i.e., those in respect of permanent employment—show an increase (from 2,038 to 2,191) of 7-5 per cent, over the previous year. The tendency for factory employment to absorb an increasing number of juveniles is apparently being maintained. (9) Hygiene, Health, and Welfare in Factories. —The little that can be said here of hygiene, health, and welfare conditions in factories is by no means commensurate with the importance of the subject or with the position it occupies in the work of the Department. (10) There is again ample evidence available of attention being paid by employers to amenities for factory workers. New and improved cafeterias, nursing and medical facilities, music in workrooms, and provision for such things as tennis and basketball

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Year ended 31st March, Number of Factories employing Number of Workers shown. Two or Less. Three to Five. Six to Ten. Elevan ami above. 1947 1948 Increase 7,825 8,049 5,762 5,763 2,186 2,817 2,578 2,664 224 1 631 86

Number of Certificates issued to Persons aged Fourteen and under Fifteen. Fifteen and under Sixteen. Totals. Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls. Certificates issued for period of school holidays Other certificates issued 11 38 5 22 31 999 6 1,132 42 1,037 11 1,154 Totals .. 49 27 1,030 1,138 1,079 1,165