NEW ZEALAND FACTORIES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27191, 7 November 1953, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND FACTORIES

REVIEW OF GROWTH SINCE 1938

“DOMINION’S BIGGEST EMPLOYERS ” (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 6. The manufacturing industry is now New Zealand’s biggest employer of labour, as well as the biggest importer of materials and equipment, according to the latest official statistics, says a statement issued today by the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation.

The statement says that in recent years “factory has outstripped farm” in increasing the volume of production. The latest Abstract of Statistics says that from 1938-39 to 1951-52, farm production increased by about 30 per cent., and the volume of factory production rose by 235 per cent. In value, farm produce increased nearly fivefold, and factory produce more than sixfold.

“Other statistics illustrating the importance of manufacturing in the national economy are given in the Official Year Book,” says the statement. “For instance, in the year 195051. 8318 factories paid out more than £70,000,000 in wages, and produced goods valued at nearly £400,000,000. “The graph of factory activity has shown a continuous steady increase for the last 40 years, except for a short period during the economic depression of the 1930’5.” The statement quotes the “Year Book” as saying that from 1945 New Zealand industries have maintained the rapid progress characteristic of the immediate pre-war years, in spite of difficulties caused by labour shortages and scarcities of imported plant and materials.

Auckland was easily New Zealand’s most important industrial district during 1950-51, with 3099 establishments employing 57,425 persons, the statement says. Wellington came next, with 1866 establishments and 34,394 persons engaged. Marlborough was the smallest industrial district, with 101 establishments employing 816 persons.