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XXXVI 3

REPORTS FROM INSPECTORS OF SCAFFOLDING. WELLINGTON. Slit,— Department of Labour, Wellington, Bth April, 1907. t beg to submit my report for the period since my appointment up to the 31st March, 1907. 1 tind that the Scaffolding Act was very much needed in Wellington, and was gladly welcomed by workers in the building trade. For some years past builders seem generally to have got into a verjcareless and slovenly way with this very important branch of their business. lam pleased to report, however, that as soon as the Act and regulations were brought under their notice the majority, especially those in a large way of business, seemed very ready to carry out what was required. Most of the biggest buildings in course of erection have entirely new scaffolding and gear, and there has been a gradual improvement in the class of scaffolding used since the regulations were first enforced. This improvement is still going on. I consider the Act would be improved by giving Inspectors power to enter any building, whether in course of erection or not, if they have reason to believe that scaffolding is being erected therein. No provision has yet been made in the present Act re reporting accidents, as-buildings in course of erection do not come under the Factories Acts, nor, I believe, any other Act. A very large number of men of all trades are employed on. such buildings, and I consider that all accidents occurring should be reported to this Department so that inquiry could be made immediately and the cause of accident ascertained. During the period I inspected 119 scaffolds, and alterations or additions were made in most cases, some of them, however, very slight. A few scaffolds had to be pulled down and re-erected. The building trade is very busy at the present time. There were no prosecutions or accidents recorded during this period. Yours, &c, R. A. Bolland, The Secretary for Labour, Wellington. Inspector of Scaffolding.

AUCKLAND. Sir,— Department of Labour, Auckland, 9th April, 1907. Since taking up my duties on the 14th January, 1907, as Scaffolding Inspector for the Auckland District, I have the honour to report that I have visited 110 scaffolds, and have received notices from most of the contractors and builders of Auckland of their intention to erect scaffolding. I have found them generally willing to comply with both the Act and j* j. - \jf j;_ . In some instances where the regulations have not been complied with I have posted a written explanation' of what is required, and the builders have seen that my directions are carried out. Yours, &c, Hugh Gresham, - The Secretary for Labour, Wellington. |> ■• Inspectorjof Scaffolding. CHRISTCHURCH. Sir,— Department of Labour, Christchurch, Bth April, 1907. I have the honour to forward you my report on the working of the Scaffolding t Inspection Act, for the period since my appointment up to the 31st March, 1907. Immediately after my appointment I visited the various districts under my jurisdiction, and found tnat many of the scaffolds erected were quite unsatisfactory and unsafe for men to work upon. In all cases I gave notice that they be erected according to conditions laid down in the Act. In a very few cases the builders and contractors raised objection to going to the trouble of making the alterations required, but a large majority rather welcomed the change, and admitted the fairness of my requirements. The most trouble experienced is iti getting the builders and contractors to give notice of their intention to erect scaffolding, and many and varied are the excuses offered. Since my appointment I have made 113 visits of inspection to various scaffolds being erected, 8 of which were condemned as being quite unsafe for men to work upon. In 23 oases various alterations were required. I would respectfully suggest that the height of scaffold as provided by the Act be reduced tod 2 ft., as in my sixteen years of experience in Christchurch and elsewhere I have come ae;ross more accidents

CHRISTCHUECH. Sir, — Department of Labour, Ohristchurch, Bth April, 1907. I have the honour to forward you my report on the working of the Scaffolding t lnspection Act, for the period since my appointment up to the 31st March, 1907. Immediately after my appointment I visited the various districts under my jurisdiction, and found that many of the scaffolds erected were quite unsatisfactory and unsafe for men to work upon. In all cases I gave notice that they be erected according to conditions laid down in the Act. In a very fewcases the builders and contractors raised objection to going to the trouble of making the alterations required, but a large majority rather welcomed the change, and admitted the fairness of my requirements. The most trouble experienced is in getting the builders and contractors to give notice of their intention to erect scaffolding, and many and varied are the excuses offered. Since my appointment I have made 113 visits of inspection to various scaffolds being erected, 8 of which were condemned as being quite unsafe for men to work upon. In 23 cases various alterations were required. I would respectfully suggest that the height of scaffold as provided by the Act be reduced to 12 ft., as in my sixteen years of experience in Ohristchurch and elsewhere I have come across more accidents