LABOR 



157 



amendments as may from time to time be deemed wise, beneficial and 

 expedient. 



One of the most important investigations by this department during its 

 brief term of existence has been that with relation to the gathering of 

 statistics of manufacturing industries in the State. This, we believe, is being 

 carried on with very satisfactory results. It is hoped that this compilation 

 will be of interest and value, and prove to some extent the usefulness of 

 this department. 



Our attention has been called to the rapidly increasing manufacturing 

 and industrial enterprises in the State, in which labor is so extensively em- 

 ploved and so largely interested. With a phenomenal advancement along 

 this line, it is natural that abuses will become prevalent, and it is the desire 

 of the present commissioner to be of service, through recommendations to 



Portland Cement Factory at Trident. 



the law-makers, which will result in protecting rhe interests of both em- 

 ployee and employer alike. 



During my brief tenure in office many labor violations have been en- 

 countered, and with the exception of a few cases, have been amicably ad- 

 justed without recourse to the courts. 



The conditions of labor during the past summer have been very satis- 

 factory, and but few and slight disturbances have taken place. I am glad 

 to say that none of them have been of a nature sufficiently serious to check 

 industrial activity in general, or in any particular line of in- 

 Labor Con- dustry or locality durins- the oast vpar. 



ditions Are Labor as a whole has been in greater demand, and but few 



Very Satis- persons have experienced any difficult}'- in obtaining employ- 

 factory, ment at good wages. The prospect of a continuance of this 

 desirable condition is excellent. 



— Montana tniners are the best paid in the world. 



