Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-01-30
LABOR STATISTICS.
Commissioner Matthews Makes
Fifteenth Annual Report.
Condition Of Names Leading Indus
tries Carefully Summarized.
The Dairy Business Of the State Re.
ceives Special Attention.

The annual report of Hon. :. W. Mat
tiews, commissioner -of the bureau OF
Industrial and labor statistics. has been
submitted. The report is one Of the
most important ever issued by the bu-
leaI. The introduction summarizes the
report as follows
THE most important investigate
made by the bureau during the past
year has been that in relation TO the
extent and results Of associated dairy
ing. While such an investigation has
been partially made by the bureau and
others IN past years, the present inTes-
tigation is much more complete and
satisfactory. inasmuch as II has been
carried on by personal examinations
and inquiries, nearly every factory in
the State having been visited by agents
OF the bureau In this way better re-
suits have been Obtained than by mere
ly sending blanks through the mails.
az has been done heretofore. There are
d large number If creameries and
cheese factories located in different sec
Tons Of the State, and much time and
labor have necessarily been required in
making this Investigation. 1t is hoped
that the facts herein given IN relation
to this important industry. together
with the general facts contained in the
article published in this report, may
prove of interest and value.
The usual Investigations and COM
parisors of the cotton and wooden in
dustrieS have been made. The number
OF factories. mills and workshops erect
cd and in process of erection. enlarged
and improved. during the past year,
with the amount of capital invested
and number of hands to be employed.
is very gratifying. The amount of cap
ital invested has been exceeded but
once during the past II years and the
number Of hands TO be employed is the
largest during the same time.
"A brief article on the ice industry
with valuable tables, will be found both
timely and important, recent develop
ments in connection with this industry
heing at the present time of much in
tereet to our people.
Other features Of the report are an
extended description Of the commercial
and business advantages Of Portland,
with statistics of its growth and devel-
cpment as port Of entry and de-
parture of foreign shipping. a descrip-
the Portland Stone Ware Co., and
brief article on the mica. tourmaline
and feldspar Industries.
The usual c2mpilation Of facts and
figures with regard to the steam and
electric railway systems OF the State
IL inclded in the report. a valuable alb
stract from the census bulletin, relating
to the population of the State and con-
veniently arranged for reference and
comparison. Is also published. The re-
port OF the inspector of factories, work
shops. mines and quarries is included
n this report, in compliance with the
requirements Of the law.
The conditions of labor during the
past year have been very satisfactory
and but few and slight labor disturb
arces have taken place. Labor has
been in great demand and but few per-
sons have experienced any difficulty in
obtaining employment at good wages.
The prospect of continuance OF this
desirable condition of things Is very
favorable, as, according TO the state
ments Of employers and contractors,
rarely. If ever. have so many contracts
Tor the future been made as at the
present time.
In his capacity as secretary of the
old Home Week Association. the COM
missioner publishes a brief report Of
the observances Of Old Home Week.
Aug. 10-1T. as an appendix to this vol
umc.
The commissioner expresses his ap-
probation Of the faithful and con-
scientious services rendered him in the
prosecution of his work by his efficient
clerk, Major c. ]. House. and special
agent. Francis Wiggin."