H.—ls

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quite tho same as those for marine boilers owing to the different circumstances under which these boilers are used, and also on account of the wide variety in the type of boiler in use on land, the general principle of the rules can be the same. Now rules would, generally speaking, permit lighter scantlings, which would, cheapen the cost of the construction of boilers. Inspection of Machinery. —The number of inspections of machinery carried out during the year totals 24,963, as compared, with 23,688 inspections last year. There were found 1,535 ordinary defects, and 619 dangerous defects. Written notices to repair were issued in 474 instances. Notwithstanding particular attention on the part of the Inspectors, several serious accidents have occurred. Many of these accidents have been due to the carelessness of the operator. It is impossible to eliminate all risks of accident by guarding machinery. Machinery, however, that is unguarded and within reach of workmen is in most cases extremely dangerous, and it is surprising with what contempt many people treat machinery in notion, such as revolving shafting or pulleys and belts. All unguarded shafting to which workers may have access is dangerous. Even a slow-running shaft has been known to cause a fatal accident. Aprons and frayed garments, torn sleeves and pockets, are liable to become entangled round shafting. Operators should wear tight-fitting clothing. Females should wear their hair up or have it enclosed in suitable caps. The hair is so light that it is easily drawn towards shafts, belts, or pulleys by the current of air always present in the vicinity of moving machinery. When it becomes entangled round shafts the consequences are extremely serious, as in many cases the scalp is torn off. When belts are thrown off pulleys they should not be permittedto rest on revolving shafting. No one should take hold of with the hand any belt in such a positionCare should be taken to keep clear of belts with projecting metal fasteners. Perches should be provided, for belts, or shafts should be covered with a sleeve of metal to support belts. When belts are required to be placed on revolving pulleys, a bolt-pole should be used or mechanical belt-striking gear employed. Oiling or cleaning of machinery in motion should only be done by properly trained workmen specially authorized to do so. Waste, rags, or emery-cloth, held in the hand, should not be used for cleaning machinery in motion. In every workroom there should always be some one available who has been instructed how to stop the machinory promptly. Tho Department now requires all buzz planing-machines to be fitted with heads of the circular type. Objection was made by some woodworkers to this regulation, but the opinion of the majority is that the circular head is a much less dangerous appliance than tho square head. A worker caught by the square head would surely lose the whole of his finger or fingers, and perhaps his hand also. With the circular block only the tips of tho fingers and the finger-nails can be caught, and since tho enforcement of this regulation no accidents of a serious nature have been reported. Special consideration has been given to machinory employed in farming industries, and it is proposed to provide certain exemptions in this repsect. Examination of Land, Engineers and Engine-drivers. —These examinations were held at the various offices of Inspectors of Machinery throughout the Dominion in the months of May, August, November, and February, which are the dates prescribed by regulations. Also, to suit the convenience of candidates, occasional special examinations took place at these centres and at various country places visited by Inspectors on their periodical tours. The full list of places where examinations took place is shown in an appended return, as also is the number of candidates examined at each, place. The examinations held were for extra first-class engineers, first-class engine-drivers, second-class engine-drivers, winding-engine drivers (stoam and electric), locomotive-engine drivers, traction-engine drivers, and locomotive- and traction-engine drivers. The total, number of candidates examined was 591 ; of this number 459 passed, and 132 failed in their examinations. For each quarterly examination throughout the year new examination-papers for first-class engine-drivers were prepared at Head Office and issued to the various District Offices. Recognition of Certificates from, Abroad. —Under section 49 of tho Inspection of Machinery Act, 1908, certificates of the appropriate grade were granted, without examination, to holders of certificates from abroad, as follows : South Africa, 1 ; United. Kingdom, 2 ; Canada, 3 ; Western Australia, L ; South Australia, 1 ; Tasmania, 5 ; Victoria, 1 ; New South Wales, 1. Examination of Electric-tram Drivers. —Examinations were held at Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, New Plymouth, Wanganui, and Wellington. Generally, the examinations were held at-the regular intervals provided for in the regulations —namely, during the months of May, August, November, and February—but some, special examinations were held at other dates to suit the convenience of candidates and of tramway services. A total of 48 candidates submitted themselves to examination ; of these, 42 were successful, and 6 failed. Accidents. —During the year 3 fatal and 58 non-fatal accidents in. connection with machinery were reported to the Department. In most cases the non-fatal accidents were of a minor nature, and in a great many instances were due to lack of care on the part of persons operating machines. It is not always practicable to so guard machines that they will be absolutely secure against accident; proper skill and attention on the part of operators are essential. Fisheries. > Tho administratign of the Fishing Industry Promotion Act, 1919, governing advances to fishermen for purchase of boats and gear and for installation of fish-freezers, has during the year been transferred to the State Advances Department, under the policy of amalgamation of State-lending activities. An interesting report by the Hon. G. M. Thomson, M.L.C., Chairman of tho Portobello Fish-hatchery Board, on the operations of the hatchery during the year, is appended. During the year visits of inspection have been made by the Chief Inspector to the following fishing-grounds and fishing-ports, viz. : Mangonui, Whangaroa, Bay of Islands, Kaipara, Hauraki Gulf, and Great Barrier. The coast from Cape Colville to Slipper Island, Gisborne, Port Ahuriri, Marlborough Sounds, Lyttelton, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, and Bluff.