H.—ll.

sacks ; oatmeal, 2,602 sacks ; bran and sharps, 57,069 sacks ; iron, 114 tons ; beans and peas, 795 sacks ; stone, 64 tons ; fruit, 1,008 cases ; butter, 46 cases ; potatoes, 44,339 sacks ; tallow, 1,536 tons ; preserved meats, 1,308 cases ; poultry, 31 cases ; live sheep, 28 ; barley, 1,280 sacks ; flour, 117,915 sacks; general merchandise, 971 tons; hides, 411; grass-seed, 1,260 sacks; chaff, 49,122 sacks ; hay and straw, 1,081 bales : total exports and imports, 156,892 tons. In conclusion, I desire to again thank all those whom I have met in the execution of my duties for the invariable courtesy extended to me. I have, &c, P. Keddie, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. Inspector of Factories.

OAMARU. Blß,— Department of Labour, Oamaru, 12th April, 1909. 1 have the honour to submit, for your information, a report upon the working of the various Acts under my supervision in this district for the year ending the 31st March, 1909; and I am pleased to say that I found all interested in carrying out the provisions of the law well disposed to assist me, employers and employees generally showing a desire to work harmoniously together. Factories. During the year 133 factories were registered, in which 819 persons worked—s72 males and 247 females ; 57 adult males worked 6,475 hours, and 247 boys and women worked 2,986 hours overtime : a total of 9,461 hours. Certificates of fitness wore issued to 17 boys and 10 girls. Two accidents) of a trivial nature were reported during the period ; the persons injured were only a couple of weeks absent from their employment. Shops. During the year returns were collected from 139 shops, in which 373 persons worked-259 males and 114 females, who worked 460 hours overtime. A good deal of attention was given to seating, ventilation, and sanitation, all of which are now in fairly satisfactory condition. Employers and employees have worked well together, and there has been very little difficulty in seeing that the Act is observed. There was one conviction worded for working a female more than the regular hours. Servants' Registry-offices. There are 5 persons registered. Shearers' Accommodation. 1 visited 11 shearing-sheds during the progress of shearing. Suggestions as to additions and improvements made cm previous occasions were found to be carried out. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration. There have not been many complaints as to breaches of awards during the year. In many instances employers having any doubt about the law have obtained advice at this office. Unskilled Labour. There have been only a few applications for work during the year. Many of the former workers of this district are now absent, some on sections of their own, and others in the North Island. I have, &c, T. (VGrady, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. Inspector of Factories.

INVERCARGILL. Si i;. Department of Labour, Invercargill, 9th April, 1909. I have the honour to submit, for your information, my annual report for the year ending 31st March, 1909. The Southland District, in keeping with other parts of the Dominion, has felt the prevailing slowness in trade which set in early in the year just closed, though perhaps to a less extent than some other districts. Our factories and other means of employment show an increase m number, and the number of persons employed likewise has considerably increased. The dairy industry : This industry has again had an exceptionally good season, and there have been large and constant supplies of'milk. Feed has been abundant, and dairy stock have kept in excellent condition. The usual high standard of quality has been well maintained by the various cheese and butter factories ; good prices for both products have been realised, and the season may safely be considered a satisfactory one for all connected with this industry.

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