H.—44.

Footwear. This industry has experienced very active trading conditions throughout the year, units working to capacity to meet the continued demands for civil and military requirements. In some quarters it is reported that the production of army requirements has to some extent interfered with deliveries of civilian footwear. Closer attention has been paid to the manufacture of men's and women's high-grade footwear, consequent upon the increased demand resulting from the reduction in stocks of imported shoes held at the beginning of the year. Features of the year have been the rapid expansion of the production of slippers, sandals, and rubber-soled canvas shoes. Tanning Industry. The extra requirements for military purposes have enabled tanneries to increase the number of pits and extend premises. Supplies of hides arc coming forward more freely this year, and conditions for the trade are very satisfactory. Leather Goods. Active trading conditions have been experienced. Ladies' handbags have been in good demand, and the departure of men overseas has given impetus to the manufacture of money-belts, wallets, and similar articles for travelling. Whenever possible the leathers of domestic tanneries are used. Glove Industry. The year has seen considerable expansion in the output of most units and the introduction of new units into this industry. Some of the smaller units do not concern themselves so much with increasing output as maintaining a high level of quality for their products, and as there is a good local demand for high-grade dress-gloves these concerns are able to compete successfully with their bigger competitors. An interesting fact is that one Canterbury firm dresses sheepskins and uses them as a raw material in place of that formerly imported. Several units are now in production of work-gloves, for which there is a good demand. Foundries and Engineering Workshops. Engineering firms have generally experienced stable conditions. Domestic units have quickly adapted their plant and general set-up to establish the production of a number of munitions items. On the civil side the versatility of firms has enabled a considerable quantity of machinery to be manufactured domestically, obviating importation with appreciable saving of sterling and dollar funds. In this connection two instances may be quoted —one is the servicing and replacement of heavy gold-mining machinery on the West Coast, where an increasing number of gold-dredges are in operation ; the other is the substantial contract for supply of machinery to harvest and process linenflax. This contract, completed in record time, comprised the manufacture of 1.00 flax-pullers and 10 flax-seed cleaners. In the light engineering trades, brass-foundries and brass-working firms have experienced good demand, although, in general, difficulties have been experienced in obtaining adequate labour and supplies of raw materials. One firm has established a moulding department for the manufacture of milking-machine parts, and it has been found possible to employ girls in this section of the work quite satisfactorily. Electrical Engineering. Most domestic units have experienced good, trading conditions throughout the year, although certain imported raw materials, such as sheet aluminium, brass screws, resistance wire, &c., have been difficult or impossible to obtain. Reports indicate the introduction of the manufacture of a limited number of new lines. Tinware. Domestic manufacturers have been afforded a full-production schedule, consequent upon the expanding demand for containers for locally produced articles and foodstuffs, and the requirements of tins for transmission to members of the forces overseas. In the North the production of extra vats for factories in the change-over from butter to cheese manufacture caused extra work as regards dairy requirements. The shortage of tinplate and staff shortages have comprised the chief difficulties confronting tin-canister makers. Ranges and Cookers. The output of electric ranges is being maintained in order to meet the demand, which is mainly for Government housing installations. Difficulties in obtaining adequate supplies of certain raw materials from overseas, have, however, been experienced. Production of coal ranges and gas cookers slumped during the latter half of the year.- This has been attributed to the popularity of the electric range on the one hand, and on the other to the reduction in building activity. About twelve months ago the production of one factory was interrupted by fire, and considerable leeway was lost in regaining normal output figures. Agricultural Implements. Demand has remained steady. This industry is using more female labour than previously. The United Kingdom's order for cheese caused considerable demand for cheese-making machinery. Knives and Cutlery. Rapid development in the production of knives is reported with good supplies of raw materials and bright prospects. In. the South the production of spoons and forks has proved an efficient and economic addition. Considerable contracts for the armed forces have been fulfilled, and a large quantity will be supplied in the future. The firm plan ultimately to produce all domestic requirements.

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