BRITISH-MADE TOYS

Putaruru Press, Volume XII, Issue 562, 8 March 1934, Page 3

BRITISH-MADE TOYS

ACTIVITY OF FACTORIES British toys were sweeping the world’s markets last year. Never before had the factories been so busy. In many districts makers were unable to get enough skilled workers to fill orders already placed, and 1 had to refuse further demands. German toys, which a few, years ago flooded British markets at Christmas, are now entirely ousted. At the London works of one of the largest of "the toy-making firms, 300 extra workmen were engaged for three months, and a - four-acre addition to the factory is being erected. “One of our outstanding toys is an exact-to-scale Puss Moth aeroplane,” a director said. “It flies 15 miles on a single charge, and makes a strong appeal to boys. Scale models of famous racing cars are also much in demand, and we have no difficulty in keeping our 2500 employees busy. Our export trade has gone up enormously in the past year.” Lazy Bones and Mickey Mouse dolls are among the most popular soft toys this year. “We have not been so busy for some year,” said an official. “Our trouble is that we cannot get enough skilled workers to fill the orders on hand.”

More than 90 per cent, of the toys in the shops and stores are British. In a Regent street toy shop mechanical toys are still favourites with boys, and the Teddy Bear is still, the girls! first choice. The first line of British-made mechanical toys to sell at 6d is to be seen here, and includes tanks and tractors.

At another London factory 25 per cent, more people were employed than for the Christinas, rush last year. “A few years ago Germany led the world in the production of mechanical toys, but Britain is leading the way today,” said the manager. “Our most popular line for boys is a Slockwork locomotive from the funnel' of which showers of sparks rise as .the engine races _rbund. ” ‘

Even in the hard doll market, hitherto controlled by Germany, British ' manufacturers are -more than holding their own. only a year ago, a factory at Aylesbury is now employing 50 workers. It is turning out about 250 dozen hard dolls every week.