15

H.—44

Rope and Twine. Output—(l9o6) £100,000 ; (1924) £218,000. The prosperity of this industry depends very largely upon the grain-growing industry. Last season only about half of the Dominion's requirements of wheat was grown, consequently the demand for twine was much below normal. There is very keen overseas competition in the rope section. No difficulty has been experienced in obtaining the necessary labour, and it is hoped that the guaranteed prices arranged between millers and farmers for wheat for the next harvest will increase the output and have a stimulating effect upon the flax, rope, and twine industry. Printing, Publishing, and Bookbinding. Output—(l9o6) £1,068,000 ; (1924) £3,623,000. There is every indication of good conditions generally prevailing in the printing industry. With the exception of Dunedin, where highly skilled labour is in demand, probably on account of extra work through the Exhibition, labour is plentiful. Bricks, Tiles, and Pottery. Output—(l9o6) £217,000 ; (1924) £599,000. The brick, tile, and pottery industry is progressing satisfactorily, and results achieved in practically all works throughout the Dominion have been good. Biscuit and Confectionery. Output—(l9o6) £364,000 ; (1924) £1,384,000. This industry, which had a serious setback at the beginning of this year on account of the epidemic of infantile paralysis, had previously been advancing very solidly. In a number of centres new factories have been established during the past year, and to many of the established works there have been considerable extensions. Those responsible for the manufacture of biscuits and confectionery are to be congratulated on the very forward and progressive policy that has been adopted of late, especially with regard to the supply of sweets and biscuits in attractive packages. Competition from Australia, America, and the United Kingdom is very keen. The coming big Exhibition at Dunedin should assist to make the prospects during the coming year for this industry especially good. Sauce, Pickles, and Yinegar. Output—(l9o6) £56,000 ; (1924) £198,000. There has not been anything of particular interest to report concerning these industries, the conditions of which are, generally speaking, normal. Soap and Candle Making. Output—(l9o6) £179,000 ; (1924) £497,000. The soap industry is steady and progressive, but the candle industry is quickly diminishing. In some centres the soap industry has had a very satisfactory year ; in others conditions have been normal. There is no dearth of labour required for these factories. Competition, especially from the Continent and United States of America has been and is extremely keen. Coach- and Motor-body Building. Output—(l9o6) £295,000 ; (1924) £711,000. The demand for motor-bodies for touring, commercial, and private orders has been good during the past year, and practically all works have been running full time. A certain scarcity of highly skilled labour has been felt. The prospects for this industry are bright. A large number of excellent vehicles have been made by several Dominion manufacturers, who are justly entitled to great praise for the design, comfort, efficiency, and strength of the work produced. Furnishing and Cabinetmaking. Output—(l9o6) £328,000 ; (1924) £1,114,000. There has been a keen demand for furniture in some centres and a slackening of orders in others. Generally the industry is progressing. The manufacture of gramophones is a branch of the cabinetmaking section that is growing rapidly. The machines turned out compare very favourably with similar imported instruments both as regards tone and finish. There is a fair demand for skilled labour in the cabinetmaking and furnishing industry. Chemicals and Fertilizers. Output—(l9o6) £95,000 ; (1924) £515,000. The manufacture of superphosphates, which is the chief industry included under this heading, is developing rapidly. At the moment two new works are under construction in the North Island.