fi.—6.

32

I have the following accidents to report:— 16th May, 1883.—Thomas Box, a workman employed at Mr. M. H. Roe's saw-mill, Onehunga. It appears he was working at the drag-bench, when his right hand was taken off at the wrist through being drawn by the saw. 22nd May, 1883.—Thomas Booth, aged fifty-eight years, employed at Mr. Firth's flour-mill as stoker and engine-driver. It appears he was on the night shift. While engaged oiling the engine he thoughtlessly raised his right arm, getting it severely crushed between the engine-beam and girder. Amputation was found necessary. 28th December, 1883.—James Sheriff, aged sixty-two years, employed at Messrs. Cousins and Atkins coach factory. It appears he was working at a tenoning-machine, when one of the knives got out of position, and, coming into contact with the disc, broke it, one of the pieces striking him a severe blow on the stomach. The unfortunate man expired on the following day. At the inquest a verdict of " Accidental death" was returned, and that no blame was attachable to any one. 21st January, 1884.—James Gubbins, a workman employed at the Hokianga Saw-mill Company's mill. He was working a circular saw, when a piece of wood broke off the flitch and was projected with great force, striking him on the breast, breaking one rib at the junction with the breast. It appears warning was given, but the bench was not stopped quickly enough. 12th March, 1884.—John Wilson, a workman employed at the New Zealand Timber Company's mill at Devonport. He was working a circular saw. It appears he attempted to adjust the waterpipe in connection with the saw without stopping it, when his right hand was taken off at the wrist. I may state that the machinery in the above mills, &c, is fenced and guarded as far as practicable. There are many dangerous machines employed wood-cutting that can only be protected to a limited extent without rendering them useless for the work intended. Machines of this description require to be carefully and skilfully handled to avoid accident. I make it a rule to remind managers, and others in charge of machinery, of the necessity of selecting only those that can be depended on for working machines of the above class. I have, &c, The Chief Inspector of Machinery. W. J. Jobson.

The Inspector of Machinery, Otago District, to the Chief Inspector of Machinery. Sir, — Office of Inspector of Machinery, Dunedin, 28th April, 1884. I have the honour to forward to you (enclosed) the annual report of inspection of machinery, Otago District, for the financial year ended the 31st March, 1884, contained in tables numbered 1 to 8 inclusive. I have, &c, Alexander Crawford, The Chief Inspector of Machinery, Inspector of Machinery, Otago District. Wellington.

Return showing the Number of Land Boilers Inspected during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1884.

Return of Fees Payable for the Inspection of Boilers and Machinery during the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1884.

Number of Portable Boilers. Number of Stationary Boilers. Name of District. Total. Under 5 h.p. 5 to 10 Over h.p. 10 h.p. Under 5 h.p. 5 to 10 h.p. Over 10 h.p. itago 16 81 | 14 132 48 106 397

Name of District. Fees payable in respect of Boilers. Pees payable in respect of Machinery. Total. itago— Portable Stationary £ B. 212 10 479 10 a. o 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. ) 692 0 0