H.—44

4

Mope and Twine Making. 1906. 1923. Value of output .. .. .. .. .. £100,753 £221,769 This industry shows every promise of being a most useful one: to the: Dominion, although its success is largely dependent upon the wheat and oat crops. Last year, unfortunately, eiwing to drought conditions, the yields in grain were abnormally low, and this greatly affecte;d sales of twine:. The; quality of the ropes and twines manufactured has be:e;.n most favourably commenteel upon by critics in England, who have recently inspected them at Wembley. Jams and Canned Fruits. 1906. 1923. Value of output .. .. .. .. .. £98,032 £237,195 Competition has been very keen in this trade. The canned-fruit section has be;e;n adversely affected by abnormal importations from the Pacific coast and from Australia. The selling-prices of canned goods from overseas cannot be met by the local manufacturer, and strong pleas have been put forward for either increased protection or for a bonus on output. The jam trade', em the other hanel, is progressing steadily, anel manufacturers are to be congratulated upon the attention paid to quality, which is earning the wide support of the public. Printing, Publishing, and Bookbindinxj. .1906. 1923. Value of output .. .. .. .. £1,067,827 £3,531,936 Conditions have been good, anil this industry is apparently very progressive. A shortage of skilled male and female labour is reported, Motor and Cycle Engineering. 1906. 1923. Value of output .. .. .. .. .. £75,991 £1,114,652 This trade has been good, anel the industry is flourishing. Large importations of motor-vehicles during the past year have: been responsible for activity. The nioteir-body-building traele, on the other.- hand, is quiet, and the proportion of motor-vehicles provided with locally-made bodies continues to be small. Glass Industry. This comparatively new industry has had a fairly busy year, and the output and sales have almost doubled, in spite of keen competition. The company's principal product is amber ale-bottles, but white and green glass bottles and jars have been turned out in substantial, quantities. The company represents that it is seriously handicapped owing to the necessity of having to use one tank for the several colours. This tank has to be drawn off each time a change in colour is desired. Capital expenditure on new plant to a considerable extent is contemplated, but the management do not feel dispose:d to undertake extensions unless a further assurance for increased protection can be given. Cement and Lime Crushing and Burning. 1906. 1.923. Value of output .. .. .. .. .. £107,675 £611,161 The combined output capacity of the works of the three cement companies now established in New Zealand is 220,000 tons per annum. The demand, has never reached this total, and it is expected it will take several years before New Zealand alone will absorb this huge output. For the year ended 31st March last the demand for cement was certainly better than for some, years previously, but even then it was 80,000 tons less than the capacity to supply. Consequent on certain reductions in cost of materials, together with a lowering of freights, and the improvements both in machinery and efficiency at the works, the companies have been able to considerably reduce the price of cement, and the tendency is still downwards. Boot and Shoe Industry. 1906. 1923. Value of output .. .. .. .. .. £501,065 £1,441,70.1 This industry stands high in the list of New Zealand manufacturing industries, ami the value, of output has reached a total of £1,500,000. Wages were paid to 2,693 persons, and totalled £456,000 for the, year. The inelustry has been most adversely affected during the; last two years by the large volume of importations from overseas. In 1922 the value of imports was £729,622, and in 1923 £964,202. During the current year the industry has experienced, in the; opinion of manufacturers, one of the worst periods in its history. A large number of worker's have been rendered idle owing to slackness of trade, and at best only intermittent employment has been offered. In criticizing the imported footwear, local manufacturers have elemonstratod that a large amount eif shoddy has be:en brought into the Dominion, and have urged upon the Government the desirability of imposing an embargo. Representations have been made to the Hon. the Minister of Labour as to the: failure by merchants and retailers to observe the Footwear Regulations, in that the soles are not clearly stamped to show that they contain material other than leather. Several cases have been taken before the Courts in order to ensure strict compliance with the regulations, and the fines imposed should have a salutary effect.