BRITISH INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 63, 10 February 1933, Page 8

BRITISH INDUSTRY.

CONFIDENCE RETURNING

MANUFACTURERS’ SURVEY,

Confidence is returning in industrial Britain, according to a statement supplied by the Australian Association of British Manufacturers.

“British industry is experiencing a healthful awakening, and mechanical achievements are numerous,” the association states. “Recent increases in tire value of exports from the United Kingdom have been particularly evident in regard to iron and steel, nonferrous metals, vehicles, including locomotives, aircraft, and motor cars, cotton yarns, and manufactures. Various factors have combined to brighten the Lancashire cotton trade outlook. The Lancashire Industrial Development Council Iras reported a drop of 47,281 in unemployment figures for the north-western area. More looms are being started, and manufacturers and shippers are optimistic as to prospects for the year. “The feeling in the Indian market (one of the largest consumers of Lancashire fabrics) is much more hopeful, and generally things are distinctly better,’ said Sir Edward Rhodes, a leading Lancashire shipper. The South American, Australian, and South African markets are also providing better support. The cheerfulness in the cotton industry is founded on orders in hand, greater inquiry for goods, and increased employment. Figures from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce reveal that 1,704,500,000 square yards of cotton piece goods were shipped during the first nine months of 1932; an improvement of 407,000,000 square yards on the same period in 1931.

“OptTmfr.,o also colours the views of the people of Yorkshire. Although competition is keener, and in spite of high tariff barriers, quality remains a potent factor, influencing buyers everywhere in favour of wool yarns and fabrics made in Britain. Since the virtual shutting out of Continental dress goods from the United Kingdom, buyers who previously went to the Continent, but who now go to Bradford, have expressed astonishment at the progress made in the production of beautiful fabrics. The British manufacturer, with the home market to himself, is proving quite capable of meeting its needs. It is hoped that, with the return to more normal conditions, British manufacturers will secure again their full share of the better class trade of the world.

IRON AND STEEL INDUSTRIES. “Britain leads the world in producing new steels. Recent statistics indicate an all-round improvement in the iron and steel industries, and a more pronounced export inquiry for heavy steel. Items which notably contributed towards the increase in exports were galvanised sheets and tinplates. Reports from Wales lay emphasis upon the restarting of idle tinplate and steel works. Much employment will follow as the result of an agreement by which Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth Co., Ltd., are to manufacture engineering products (Diesel engines, pumps, compressors and other machinery) for a Swiss firm. The Russian Government

has placed with the United Kingdom steel industry an order (its second contract within a few months) for 20,000 tons of steel plates. Another contract has been received for 26 tank locomotives. The engines, which are for use in new steel works and other large industrial plants comprised in the fiveyear plan, are to be built to British standard specifications. Large Russian orders for rolling mill machinery are destined for Manchester. Three special trains each consisting of 50 waggons, | were required to convey 1100 tons of Lancashire-made machine tools to Hull for transportation to Russia. “Further impetus to industry is given by activity in other industries, including the supply by the De Havilland Company of 38 military aircraft; to Brazil, Portugal and Iraq; the manufacture of large aeroplane crankcases (established as a new industry by a Sheffield firm, who have booked orders that will keep them busy throughout the year; the crankcases are of a new material, hiduminium), j and expansion in the motor industry, ' which has materially helped to decrease unemployment in Birmingham. Motor car factories which are working day and night include that of the Austin Company, who recently took on 1400 new employees.