LABOUR FORCE IN N.Z.

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27443, 1 September 1954, Page 12

LABOUR FORCE IN N.Z.

18,600 INCREASE LAST TEAR (Mow Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 31. A more settled state of industrial activity was maintained in New Zealand last year after the adjustment period arising from the introduction of exchange and bredit controls in 1952, says the annual report of the Department of Industries and Commerce, tabled in the House of Representatives this afternoon. The labour force increased from 752,800 in October, 1952, to 771,400 in October, 1953. The increase—lB,6oo — the largest annual increase since the war. In manufacturing industries, excluding seasonal processing industries, the number employed increased by 5033. Substantial increases occurred in the sugar and confectionery, knitted wear, woollen goods, pottery and glass, lime and cement, rubber goods, and vehicle and aircraft sub-groups. Notified employment vacancies continued to. fall, the monthly average being 11.399, compared with' 17,647 in 1952.

Dealing with the future of industry, the report says that the population of New Zealand is expected to increase by 400.900 in the next 10 years. This would mean a need for large expansion in industrial and residential areas.

•‘Great care prill be necessary to see that farm land is occupied to the least possible degree because of the need for primary production to increase to earn sufficient overseas income for the growing population.” the report adds.