ANNUAL LABOR REPORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 July 1916, Page 2

ANNUAL LABOR REPORT.

NEW PLYMOUTH'S ACTIVITIES. Tlie following ure extracts from ttie labor report for the year ending March 81, 1910, which lias been compiled toy Mr. J P. Arnold, Inspector of Factories: The volume of business done by retailers has surpassed all expectations and all retail assistants have been fully employed. The building and allied trades have been busy. Large freezing' works are being erected at New Plymouth, which will cost, when completed, .C'w.OOO, and will be capable of holding 80,000 carcases. An up-to-date system of electric tiamways has oeen started. Dairy and farming industries have had a successful year, and several new factories have been erected. The fact that many factories have gone in for cheese manufacturing has caused move labor to lie employed, but there has been 110 shortage of ; : ood hands. Engineering trades have been normal. Factories' Act.—Two hundred and twenty-five factories have been registered, being a slight increase on last vear. All factories have been inspected and the sanitary arrangements, air space and seating Accommodation were satisfactory. Shops anOffices' Act.—Four shopkeepers were -.rosccuted anjl a conviction was entered mi each case. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. —The Act and awards were generally well observed. Sixty-nine comp'aints were dealt with. In 58 cases it was found that either a letter of warning would si'.niee or that the complaint was not sustained. Eleven cases were Irought before the court. Employment branch.—Little difficulty has been experienced in dealing with applications for employment and all emnloyers inquiring for workers through the Labor have been suited. INSPECTION OF FOOTWEAR. In presenting his first annual report 011 the administration of the Footwear Regulation Act, Mr. Arnold said: "I have visited 21 different towns in addition to New Plymouth and have inspected footwear in all factories, warehouses and -tores where boots and shoes are stocked ill any quantity. In 34 of these I discovered boots and shoes which were not branded, as required by the Act. It was thought sufficient to give a warning in each case, and to require the occupier to stamp the lilies which he had ill stock without delay.