H—ll

been fully complied with by 31st March. The reduced number of inspections is not a serious matter since in many districts all sheds are visited during the season by the union representatives with whom there is a working arrangement that Inspectors need carry out inspections only in the event of complaints being received. The number of complaints has been very small. Nevertheless, a general inspection is very desirable in several districts with large numbers of shearing-sheds, but a wider coverage has been prevented by the inadequate availability of petrol and motor-cars to undertake the country work. (3) Sawmill accommodation, which several years ago was giving considerable concern and was discouraging workers from entering this key industry, has shown a marked improvement. It is estimated that there are 280 sawmills in the Dominion providing accommodation for workers, and a large number of these have been inspected during the year. Thirty-seven requisitions for improvements to housing were served. Considerable improvement in the accommodation position at sawmills has resulted from the housing scheme operated by the State Forest Service, which has received 120 applications from millowners for a total of 528 houses. Of this number, 318 houses have actually been completed and 63 are in process of erection. Millowners have also improved existing accommodation, while the standard of housing provided at several new mills is high. One district has noted a tendency for millers to provide houses in nearby towns, the workers being given free transport to and from the mills. (I) Bush Workers' Act, 194-5 (1) General inspections of bush undertakings during the year numbered 618 and requisitions served numbered 252, compared with 692 inspections and 306 requisitions in the previous year. This reduction was to be expected since 1947-48 was the first full year of administration of the Act, when a wide coverage, though a little superficial, was essential. (2) Requisitions for improvements served during the year may be compared with those for the previous year in the following table :

The reduction in total requisitions is wholly accounted for in the smaller number served in respect of first-aid appliances—a reduction that would be expected in follow-up inspections after the initial coverage of undertakings in the first year. (m) Scaffolding and Excavation Act. 1922 (1) Amendment to Principal Act.—By the Scaffolding and Excavation Amendment Act, 1948, the Principal Act is extended to local-body excavations (previously exempted), to the Crown, to the cleaning of the outsides of buildings (including windows), to timberstacking, and to well-sinking. It is now necessary for notice to be given to an Inspector

35

Requisitions Issued. j-\ » J .Requirements. 1947-48. | 1948-49. To fit canopies to logging tractors or repair existing 35 41 canopies To protect machinery, fit guards, &c, 44 38 To repair bridges 41 43 To supply first-aid appliances 166 77 To repair tramways or roads 4 4 To improve ropes, blocks, &c. 23 To repair rolling-stock 5 6 Requirements in respect of working methods, rigging, 11 15 dangerous trees, &c. Other .. .. .. .. .. 1 5 Totals 306 ' 252