F.—ll

LVI

of special work, especially when shop-assistants cannot be obtained. I do not, however, attach much importance to the latter part of the statement, for, as a rule, many young persons prefer serving in shops to other classes of work. Prosecutions. —The fact that it was only necessary to take three prosecutions during the year speaks well for the manner in which the provisions of the Act were observed. The cases taken were as follows: (1.) Failing to close shop on Wednesday, the half-holiday; this was a case of a fruiterer selling silk; convicted and fined. (2.) Canvassing for orders on statutory half-holiday; the S.M. gave a lengthy decision on this case; convicted and fined (see No. 224, Vol. xix, Journal of the Department of Labour). (3.) Chemist failing to close at hour fixed by requisition; convicted (see No. 229, Vol. xx, Journal of the Department of Labour). Scaffolding Inspection Act. As Inspector of Scaffolding for the Nelson-Marlborough District, I have visited buildings in the course of erection (see separate report). Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. The various awards and agreements have been fairly well observed, and nothing of any great importance has arisen with respect to the administration of the Act. The complaints received have been of a minor nature, in many cases without any foundation. Employers in this district endeavour to abide by the provisions of awards and agreements, and, as a rule, when in doubt consult the Department. Visits of inspection have been paid to all employers upon whom awards are binding, and time and wages books have been examined as to rate of wages paid and number of apprentices employed. A case for interpretation of award was forwarded to the Arbitration Court. Two cases were taken for (a) breach of award—failing to pay weekly wages; and (6) for making false entry in wages and overtime book. Decision in favour of the Department were obtained The Nelson Tailors and Tailoresses award, which came into force on the 4th July, 1911, caused a considerable amount of extra work, as copies of awards were not obtainable for fully six weeks after the award came into force. During that period all employers did not pay the advanced rates, and a number of special visits had to be paid in order to arrange for the payment of part back wages. These amounted to about £30. Shearers' Accommodation, etc., Act. There are twelve shearing-hseds in the district which come within the meaning of the Act. The accommodation for shearers in all cases is satisfactory. All meals are taken in the homesteads, with two exceptions, and at these cooks are employed to cook for the men Servants' Registry Offices Act. There are no servants' registry offices in the district. Men's Employment Branch. During the year work throughout the country has been plentiful, and the demand from employers for all classes of labour has far exceeded that of any previous year, and there has been little difficulty in placing men seeking employment. A considerable number of new arrivals have called at the office, and in many instances have settled down in the district. The opening-up of new lands and the demand for labour in the fruit industry have given employment to a considerable number of men. The good prices that have been obtained for fruit and hops indicate that work on fruit and hop farms will be plentiful during the coming winter. One hundred and thirty men, with 46 dependants, applied at the office and obtained suitable employment, either on Government works or at private employment. Women's Employment Branch. This branch of the Department is much appreciated both by employers and employees, and the facilities offered are taken full advantage of. The work in connection therewith steadily increases, and the demand for female labour is far in excess of the supply. (For further particulars see Miss Emerson's report.) Various matters in connection with my duties have required visits to be made to Picton, Blenheim, Havelock, Canvastown, Carluke, Murchison, Motueka, and other country towns. Visits of inspection have been paid in each case to shops and factories. I wish to record my appreciation of assistance rendered to me by local Inspectors and police officers, and also officers of the Health Department. I have, &c, S. Tyson, Inspector of Factories. The Secretary of Labour and Chief Inspector of Factories, Wellington.