THE FACTORIES ACT.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2716, 22 December 1882, Page 3

THE FACTORIES ACT.

[By Telegraph.]

[per press association.]

DUNEDIN, December 21

A “ Sewing Girl ” writes in the “ Star ” to-night as follows : —“ I think it only my duty to let it be known through the medium of the Press that there have been gross infringements made on the above Act by two or three well-known establishments, who at least ought by experience to know better. Saturday after Saturday I have been compelled to return to work till six or seven o’clock, and that under the very nose of the inspector. I am only a unit, and. for fear of my bread I dare not open my mouth in protest. Sir, in the establishment where I am employed I have known the inspector to threaten, and sometimes drive ns out at two o’clock on a Saturday, hut no sooner is his hack turned than vwj have had to return hy another door, and the poor simple man takes it for granted that ‘ all is well.’ At other times we have been huddled up with other workers locked up within a side room, while the inspector goes his round, and on his departure, after interviewing the forewoman, she, with an ingenuity worthy of a Stephenson, pilots us hack to work till seven or eight o’clock, having soft scaped the inspector. The s.,me thing has occurred to my knowledge in another housa in Princes street, as well as two or three in George street, whore the inspector has become so very easy-going that the forewomen take a delight in hoodwinking him.”