INDUSTRY THRIVING

Evening Star, Issue 23237, 10 April 1939, Page 16

INDUSTRY THRIVING

EFFECT OF IMPORT RESTRICTIONS [Per. United Press Association.J ■WELLINGTON, April 7. Reports received by the Minister of Industries-land Commerce, (Mr Sullivan) indicate that the establishment of new industries and the expansion of existing units in many , parts of the Dominion are continuing at a steady rate. Rope and twine manufacturers in Auckland district during the past month oT so have installed new machinery to .the value of over £B,OOO, and further machines are on order to cost between £3,000 and £4,000 for the twine department, said - the Minister. About a dozen more girls and youths had been taken on to the staff, and mo go girls would be employed if they were available. . “Paint and varnish manufacturing concerns have installed more, machin-, ery to increase their productive capacity to meet the demand for products formerly imported from overseas,” he continued. “ One confectionery manufacturer, while stating that there had been no very marked expansion in business, reported some extension of plant and additions to the staff. “ In the past there has been very little manufacturing of infants’ frocks in New Zealand, but there is now one concern in the Auckland district which has commenced production. Another company has leased and proposes to work, manganese deposits in the district. . “ Manufacturers in the Wellington district are continuing to avail themselves of the opportunities afforded them under the import selection scheme, and there are many indica-

tions of expansion in the. province. Fop example, a firm' of general engineer* is interesting itself in the ■ production, of new manufactures such_ as galvanised barbed wire, wire netting, electric : light bayonet caps, motor vehicle springs, and certain types'of bolts and nuts. Another firm is expanding production of . a special type of spring mattress, and another. firm is commencing production, of . bedstead ■ fit- « tings. An overseas concern has definitely decided to manufacture its malted niilk in New Zealand. Other concerns are making arrangements to take up the manufacture of insulated switchboard panelling and bituminous roofing material. ( Battery manufacturer*i generally report a brisk trade in their products, arid a new fir-1 is now in prod notion in Wellington. In the footwear and tannery trades production -is being maintained at comparatively high .level, and foundries are experiencing a very active'demand for castings of iron and steel. - “ Reports drorri Christchurch indicate continued progress in the expansion of various l industries. A mirror and glass company. has.■i'cmoycd to v larger' premises, installed more machin-ery,-arid taken' on rnbre 'staff.'-. Print-; • ing and • carton ; rilariufacturers hav* shown a constantly, increasing output, and additions* toi staff over the past months.” •

A firm, manufacturing denims, overalls, arid- working'trousers reported a much heavier output,' the Minister added. The manufacture of chemical, surgical,, arid laboratory glassware had been commenced in Christchurch.