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XLVI

stations visited last year, in order to see that the requirements of the Act were carried out, were those where additional accommodation had been deemed necessary. Sheep-farmers now seem to recognize that good accommodation is necessary, especially if they wish to have their shearing carried out well and without dissatisfaction. Men's Employment Bran< h. There has not been much demand for unskilled labourers in this district during the past year. The principal general labouring xvas in connection with the new meal-freezing works, showgrounds, and sale-yards, 4c. No works of any magnitude were undertaken by the borough that required any additional number of unskilled labourers. A large number of men was, however, employed during the winter and spring on scrubcutting operations, and lately at rabbiting. The road-formation in this district is fairly well completed, so that there is little or no co-operative work going on. This office is now more utilized by employers when in need of workers. During (he year 132 men were assisted principally to private employment. Women's Employment Branch. A women's employment branch was opened at this office in October. 1910, under the supervision of Miss H. R. Hodge. Circulars were sent out to employers throughout the district, and the attention of workers was drawn to the fact through the columns of the Press. A considerable amount of correspondence has bee,, received from employers in the countryapplying for help, ix-c, but great difficulty is experienced in supplying girls. The office is, however, proving a good medium for bringing employer and employee together, (For further particulars see Miss Hodge's report.) Conch sion. I have to again record my appreciation of the courteous treatment received from employers and employees, also secretaries of local unions and Employers' Association, with whom I have come in contact during the course of making various inquiries. I have, 4c, J. Georoeson, The Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington. Inspector of Factories.

NELSON. Sir, —• Department of Labour, Nelson, 25th April, 11)11. 1 have the honour to submit for your consideration my annual reporl for the year ending the -'list March, 1911. The period under review has been a fairly prosperous one. and a fair volume of trade has been done. There have been no labour troubles during the year, and employers ami workers have displayed a very conciliatory spirit in settling various trade disputes which have been brought before the Conciliation Commissioner. Employment in all branches of trade has been very continuous and the majority of tradesmen have made full time (luring the year. There has not, however, been any shortage of tradesmen to meet the demand in various trades, but a scarcity of workers does exist in those industries where young persons ami women are generally employed. There is a pronounced element of truth in the complaints made by employers thai tho dearth of this class of labour has retarded operations in connection with fruit canning and preserving, which is one of the largest industries in the district. Under the above circumstances, it naturally follows that, taking the year round, a good average wage has been earned by all workers. Tlie building ami kindred trades have been kept fairly busy, and bricklayers, carpenters. plumbers, and painters have lost very little time. A fair number of villas ami other buildings have been erected in the city and suburbs, and in the Country districts, especially Stoke, Richmond, and Motueka. Clothing, tailoring, and dressmaking trades have hail a very prosperous year, kittle time has been lost by operatives, whilst employers express themselves as well satisfied with the amount of trade done. The boot trade has been chiefly confined to order-work and general repairs. This trade has shoxvn decided progress, and bettor time has been made than was experienced last year. All men have made full time. Wheelwrights and Coachbuilders : During the year trade has been well maintained and all shops have been kept very busy. A considerable number of vehicles have been built locally for service in other parts of the Dominion. Saddle and Harness Making: There is a set number of hands employed in this industry, chiefly on order-work and general repairs. Trade has been quite up to the standard of previous years. Engineering in all its branches has not been up to the standard of previous years. The tendency of those requiring motive power for various purposes seems to be towards gas or oil engines, and there is every indication that this class of engine will take the place of steam for manufacturing purposes.