N.Z. INDUSTRIES

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1939, Page 6

N.Z. INDUSTRIES

EVIDENCE OF EXPANSION

;Pcr Press Association. —Copyright)

CHRISTCHURCH, May 1

“Further evidence is available of bhe- continuance of. industrial expan-, sion throughout the Dominion,” said the Minister for Industries, Hon. D. G. Sullivan, in an interview to-day, “and it is gratifying to witness the response being made by manufacturers to the Government’s call for increased production. Manufacturers :if baths and wash basins in the. Wellington district have expanded their productive capacity very considerably. Expenditure on additions to premises nirl equipment, for the manufacture of cast iron porcelain and enamel baths, basins and sinks, have been in the region of £12.000, New Zealand manufacturers should now be able to supply the whole of New Zealand’s requirements in these products, so that the Dominion could become quite independent of supplies from overseas,” 'J’lie Minister added that another Wellington concern was considering the manufacture of snow skis. A chemical company which was established some time ago at Miramar, was now making a wide range of cosmetics and the like, and making plans to increase its production, and to extend Uie range of its products to include disinfectants and detergents. ■ Cosmetic, was also being made in increasing quantities by other concerns in other centres.

The Paper Bag Company had applied for and had been granted, a license to import one of the very latest machines for the manufacture ot paper bags, which would enable the company to produce large size hags which previously had been made by hand.

Negotiations were also in train hetween a Wellington concern and its Australian company for the importation of riiachinery and moulds for the manufacture of bottle-seals. Suppliers of weighing machines reported a considerable increase in industrial requirements for new weighing machines, and in the servicing of existing units.

Tlie Christchurch Clothing Manufacturers report orders received for bathing suits, and, in particular, bathing shorts for next summer season already exceed any previous period. The paper bag manufacturers reported they were developing the manufacture of merchandise celophanc bags which was a new line so far as this company was concerned. Another concern'had commenced the manufacture of radio sets, and was giving consideration to the manufacture of washing machines and wringers. Stationery, manufacturers report increased staff, an increasing demand toeing particularly noticeable in eases of gums and pastes. Tailors experienced a considerable increase in demand for outer clothing from retail stores during the past few months, and found a difficulty in obtaining sufficient numbers of female operatives. An Auckland company was considering proposals to commence the manufacture of belts and buckles suitable for light materials, such as frocks, and inquiries from local tanners have shown certain verities of leather would he suitable for some of the heavier types of belts. A new company is proposing to start the manufacture of engineers’ waste from flax fibre, and production is expected to be commenced during the next three or four months. Confectionery manufacturers in the Auckland district have taken on additional hands and plans are being considered for: makirig'exteiisions to buildings at a cost of approximately £6500. Paint and varnish manufacturers in Wellington have experienced extremely busy conditions. An overseas concern, which had erected a new factory, is now in production at Miramar, and so is another overseas concern whose factory waserected at Lower Hutfc.

Another concern is installing extra plant to cope with the increased demand.