H.—ll

xxviii

The gross total of butter this company will put through for this year is 198,671 boxes valued at £500,000, and 14,631 cases of cheese, value £48,000, showing an increase of £49,000 for the year; and other companies in the district show equally good results. Farmers are pleased at the financial success of their industry, which is the more deserving owing to their arduous work and long hours. During the year five petroleum-oil companies have been formed, with a capital of about a quarter of a million. At the present time the Moturoa Company are sinking five shafts, which are expected to be completed in the course of two months, when a thorough test will be made. Oil experts say the indications of a payable field are excellent. If the results are as anticipated, Taranaki has a bright future in store. Trades generally for three parts of the year have been fairly busy, especially engineering and iron trades; sash and door makers, carpenters, painters, &c, have had their fluctuating periods. Tailors and dressmakers have been fairly busy, oftentimes complaining of their inability to get girls. Bootfactories have done a very steady business. Factories. This year 141 factories have been registered, employing 549 males and 86 females, an increase of 12 factories and 38 workers. This Act has worked smoothly—only two prosecutions being laid, which resulted in convictions and fines. Shops and Offices Acts. These Acts arc working fairly well; there was some difficulty at the commencement of the year, especially on the late night, assistants being kept for a considerable time over the half-hour's grace allowed. There was one prosecution, and this has been the means of a stricter observance of the law in this respect. There are a few even now who keep their assistants to the full extent of the halfhour's grace. Servants' Registry Offices Act. There are only two offices in this district, and they are well conducted. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. I am pleased to report the awards in force in this district are well observed ; a few trivial matters have come under my notice, and on investigation they were easily adjusted. The relations between employer and employee are very cordial. Accidents. Four accidents were reported, two of a slight nature, and two were more serious, one resulting in the amputation of the left hand, the other the loss of two fingers of the left hand. Overtime. Permits for overtime are not to a great extent applied for, a preference being made to employ more hands when available Tather than work overtime. Unskilled Labour. The first part of the year there was a great influx of outside labour, and those men who were suitable were sent to Government works. The latter part of the year has experienced a great difficulty in getting men, especially for farm and district road-works, consequently labour has been able to command a fair wage. In conclusion it is pleasing to note the great advancement in trade generally that has been made throughout the district this year, and theTe is every prospect of a continuance. I have, &c, A. Donald, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. Inspector of Factories.

MASTERTON. gm Department of Labour, Masterton, 10th April, 1907. I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending the 31st March, 1907. General. It is very pleasing to note that the progress which characterized this district for the last four or five years has been amply maintained, in fact it is questionable whether the rate of progress has not been greater than in previous years. The building trade has been busy during the whole period, a large number of residences have been erected, and there has been a marked advance in the style and architecture of the buildings used for business purposes. As a consequence the appearance of the business portion of the town has greatly improved.