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notices were sent out requesting employers to provide proper accommodation. On revisiting the mills it was found that the required alterations had been made. In the majority of cases the accommodation provided is now satisfactory. Mill's Employment Branch. — During the year there has been a fair demand for all classes of labour, and at times difficulty has been experienced in finding hands for farm-work and country sawmills. Greymouth. The Inspector (Mr. 11. .1. Torbit) reports:— General. —The period just ended may be regarded industrially as one of steady progress. In common with other portions of the Dominion the recent strike was severely felt here for a time. The sawmilling industry has had a busy year, and there is every indication that the volume of trade in this direction is likely to increase. Unfortunately, the recent, strike brought the industry to a complete standstill tor some considerable time. The same remarks apply equally to coal-mining; but with a settlement oi labour troubles, and the recent readjusting of industrial agreements ami awards, the future is full of promise. Steady progress continues to be made in both alluvial and quartz gold-mining, and a large demand exists for competent labour in both branches. Factories Act. — The provisions of this Act continue to be well observed throughout the district. The inspection of all factories has been complete, and the conditions under which workers an employed have been thoroughly investigated. With regard to sawmills ami other factories where machinery is used, there is -till room for improvement in the matter of guards and other safety appliances, but on the whole the managers of these places are usually willing to adopt any reasonable suggestion for the better protection of their employees. The number of accidents reported was sixteen, mostly of a minor nature. None was fatal. Due inquiry was made into each case. There were five cases taken before the Court for breaches of the Aci. In each instance a conviction was obtained. Other irregularities were mostly of a trivial nature, ami a warning letter sufficed. Shops anil Offices Act. —The provisions of this Act are now so w 7 ell understood that little difficulty is found in the administration of it. Eleven prosecutions for various offences under this Act were taken, and convictions were obtained in ten instances. Iml ust rial Conciliation ami Arbitration Act. —This Act may be regarded as having worked smoothly throughout this district during the period now ended. Eleven apparent breaches were investigated. In one instance it was considered necessary to prosecute. Other complaints received during the year were on investigation found to be groundless. Shearers' ami Agricultural Labourers' Accommodation Act. —By the provisions of the amending Act of 1912 sawmills and Sax-mills were brought within the scope of the Act. Visits have been paid to fourteen mills, the accommodation at which i* situated a mile or more from the nearest accommodation-house. In no instance was it found that the accommodation provided was in strict accordance with the new regulations, hut nevertheless I found that in the majority of cases the housing was of a comfortable nature. Requisitions have been duly served on the proprietors, and these Save been attended to, in the majority of instances with satisfactory results. TIMARU. The Inspector (Mr. C. U. Lightfoot) reports:— General. —This year has not been altogether free from industrial trouble, a strike of watersiders having occurred here. The building trades have shown a slight falling-off. The farming industry has experienced another fairly prosperous year. Factories Act. —During the year every factory on the register has been visited, and I have found them well equipped and conducted, and generally the occupiers appear to be observing the conditions of the Act very well indeed. Nine informations were laid in the Magistrates' Court under this Act, and a conviction was obtained in each instance. Ninety-seven accident's were reported, most of which were of a trivial nature. Shops and Offices Act. —The provisions of this Act are generally well observed. There were ten informations laid in the Stipendiary Magistrates' Court, and a conviction was obtained in each instance. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. —All complaints of alleged breaches of awards were investigated, but many were found to be of a trivial nature or without foundation. Twentycases for enforcement of awards were filed in the Stipendiary Magistrates' Court, one of which was withdrawn. In four cases breaches were recorded without penalty, and in fifteen instances penalties were imposed. Servants' Registry Offices Act. —There are three offices registered under this Act. and they are well conducted. 0 AMARU. The Inspector (Mr. A. E. Waite) reports: — General. —A very successful year would appear to have been experienced on every hand, and business people are unanimous in describing the period as most satisfactory. The strike which took place towards the close of 1913 did not very materially affect this district. Factories Act. —The Act has been fairly well observed, and, while several minor breaches have been discovered, warnings have been considered sufficient in each case. It has not been deemed necessary to proceed against any occupiers during the year.