LIII

M>—ll

Certificates of fitness to work in factories were issued to 12 young persons —6 females and 6 males. The period has been most free from accidents in factories, only 6, all of a minor nature, being reported. In each case the provisions with regard to workers' compensation for accidents were explained. Several matters in connection with the better sanitation of factories have called for attention; the necessary improvements in each case were effected. In this direction the co-operation of the health officers for the district has been of very valuable assistance. The factories throughout the district have been visited from time to time, and generally found satisfactory. All recently erected factory buildings have generally been designed with a greater care for the comfort and convenience of the employees. No prosecutions were taken under this Act during the period; the provisions are now so universally accepted that a breach rarely occurs. Shops and Offices Act. The provisions of this Act have been fairly well observed, but, owing to keen competition, the slightest point that may be obtained is quickly taken advantage of. The amendment of 1910, which necessitated a wages-book being kept by every occupier who employs assistants, has proved of very great assistance in regard to the inspection of shops. One hundred and seventy-seven returns were furnished by occupiers of shops in this district; this number shows a decrease on that of the previous year, and is accounted for by the fact of a number of smaller shops,, who did not employ assistants, going out of business, or closing down. Overtime permits were requested by 16 employers to allow 53 males and 48 females to work 2,128 hours, for which overtime rates were duly paid. Four prosecutions were taken against occupiers for breaches of this Act; convictions and fines were recorded. The principal shops have been visited, and in the greater number of cases found satisfactory. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. There has been no serious difficulty arising out of anything in connection with this Act, but at various times the necessary inspection has entailed a very considerable amount of travelling and investigation. The Shearers' award ran fairly smoothly during the season, the rates generally paid being in excess of those laid down in the award. Differences between employers and shearers occurred in a few instances, but upon investigation these were found to be breaches of contract rather than breaches of the award. The local slaughtermen and freezing-works employees entered into an agreement with the Wellington Farmers Meat Company (Limited) with regard to rates and wages at the commencement of the season, and subsequently everything in this respect has proceeded most smoothly. Three prosecutions were made. Convictions were obtained in two cases, penalties amounting to £1 being inflicted. One case was dismissed. Servants' Registry Offices Act. There are now two servants' registry offices conducting business in this district; the third office declined to reregister when the date of license expired. Of the two remaining offices, I find the books are carefully kept, and the fees charged in no case exceeded those prescribed in the Act. Shearers' Accommodation, etc., Act. In the majority of cases throughout the district where additions to shearers' accommodation have been ordered by the Department the improvements have been carried into effect, and in further instances new accommodation has been erected throughout. Several stations have been visited, and the accommodation conditions found fairly good. During the season very few complaints have been received at this office with regard to the inadequacy of shearers' accommodation. Men's Employment Branch. There has been a much better demand for workers of all descriptions than previously. Almost all classes have been in request and catered for through this office. It is pleasing to note that the various employers, settlers, farmers, and stationholders are gradually using this agency more and more in request for suitable labour. With the general information gained from various sources valuable assistance was rendered to shearers during the season in enabling them to obtain shearing stands throughout the district. Two hundred and thirty-four were assisted to various callings, principally to private employment. Women's Employment Branch. This branch is now fairly widely known to both employers and employees. Fairly full advantage has been taken of the office, and the engagements made have been satisfactory. The number of applications from employers has greatly exceeded the number from employees. (For further particulars see Miss H. R. Hodge's report.)