The Labour Bureau

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 22, 9 August 1892, Page 4

The Labour Bureau

. The annual report on the working: of the Bureau of Industries since June, 1891, after stating the .reason for the inauguration of the Bureau, and the fact, that 200 agencies had been established, goes on to say that the total number assisted to employment from June 1, 1891, to the 31*>t May, 1892, was 2974, of whom 2000 were sent to private employers, and the others to public works For the extension of the work oi the Bureau, so that it can be worked in a manner likely to fulfil its best functions, Mr Tregear suggests, first, that the officers of the department should be empowered to demand information, and obtain it, if necessary, by legal enforcement; second, that an agent should visit every part of the Colony, ascertaining personally the rates oi wnges, cost a living, cost of production, ages of workers, &c. On the subject of State forms, to which the surplus workmen of the towns will b( drafted, the report says that thes( men coulc be sent with advantage U an institution where, in return foi food and shelter, and perhaps sonu small wages, they could assist in th< general work of a farm, and make its cultivation pay expenses, while them selves gaining experience. Speaking re the Factories Act, the report say: the majority of the employers hav< met the suggestions of inspectors ii a manner proving that they had thi interest of their employes at heart and there were few traces of any thin} which could be called " sweating,' and in conclusion speaks in higl terms of the general appearance habits and morality of workers in Nev Zealand factories.