RAPID EXPANSION OF INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 234, 1 July 1939, Page 13

RAPID EXPANSION OF INDUSTRY

Survey By Minister Of

Commerce

INCREASED WORK AND OUTPUT

Situation In Wellington

“The repercussions in New Zealand from the policy of import selection instituted by the Government have been felt in the rapid expansion of existing industries and the development and establishment of new manufacturing industries,” said the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sullivan, in a statement yesterday.

“The advertisement columns of the daily Press which carry the situations vacant messages also speak eloquently of the expansion of industry, as scarcely a day passes without the metropolitan dailies carrying unusually large numbers of these,” the Minister said. “Several recent issues of the Wellington newspapers have carried as many as five columns of these advertisements. This, of course, is a position coated by the development of manufacturing in New Zealand, and it is quite a healthy sign from the .workers’ viewpoint because it spells greater opportunity for all to find remunerative employment. “The expansion of industry also spells increased production and consequently increased national wealth. Last year saw new high levels reached in the value of goods produced, salaries and wages paid, and in the numbers of persons employed in our manufacturing industries. Judging by the periodical reports that reach me, I am convinced that the present year is going to excel the very satisfactory figures of last year. Dominion-Wide Reports. “From all over the Dominion come reports of new industries being established and existing industries expanded. In Auckland a new company has gone into production in the manufacture of men’s, women’s and children’s suede slippers. This concern secured premises deemed sufficiently large, but the demand for its goods has increased so rapidly that already larger premises have had, to be taken. Another concern working in suede and in felt has commenced the manufacture of goods for the artistic side of the fancy goods trade. The manufacture of photograph frames, covers for recipe books, notebooks, belts and dress accessories is proving a sound venture. “Industries already established continue to expand their activities,” the Minister continued. “A firm that previously imported ground rice has commenced operations whereby the whole rice is imported and is ground locally. In the course of the next week or two the manufacture of wooden spoons for

the ice-cream trade will be commenced. The manufacture of women’s handbags, belts and other accessories is to be undertaken by a new company recently formed. “One of the industries that has made phenomenal progress in recent months is the footwear trade. In Christchurch a reorganized company interested in the manufacture of children’s and maids’ shoes commenced operations some four or five montlis ago with 34 operatives. Today, so heavy has been the demand for this company’s products, there are 54 operatives, and indications are that there will have to be further expansion of staff and production. “To meet the growing demand for women’s shoes a new factory is being erected in Christchurch and it is anticipated that production will be under way in a few weeks’ time. The manufacture of electric irons is being fully developed and trade generally is brisk. One firm engaged in the sports goods trrtde has, in the past few months, increased its staff from three to 22, and the manufacture of many lines has greatly been accelerated. Increase In Turnover. ■“ln the capital city an Auckland firm intends to establish a subsidiary factory for the manufacture of wallboard. An encouraging report comes from a paint manufacturing firm which

records the fact that turnover for the past six months has shown a remarkable increase. It has frequently been reiterated that Wellington clothing firms find it difficult to secure women and girl workers, and one firm has commenced a policy of decentralization by opening a factory in Levin, where labour to meet requirements is available. “The manufacture of men’s hats is another avenue of manufacture that is rapidly developing, and one Wellington firm has found it necessary greatly to increase its staff. Model frocks are being created by a new concern employing a number of girls and as labour becomes available the activities will be extended. “From this statement it will be clearly seen that the expansion of manufacturing is proceeding quite satisfactorily and the development of our resources is finding remunerative employment for more people than was ever the case previously.”