H.—44.

The Petrol Advisory Committee set up by the Hon. the Minister of Industries and Commerce just prior to the last annual report has given consideration to the question of affording some relief to resellers under the present difficult circumstances. The matter has, however, presented difficulties, but certain proposals are being examined at the present time, and it is hoped to reach some solution shortly. Any suggested remedy may involve amendments to existing regulations administered by the Bureau of Industry. During the licensing year just ended licenses have been issued to resellers totalling 3,737. These may be subdivided into service stations, 376 ; composite units, 718 —i.e., a unit giving complete garage and service facilities ; garages, 565 ; other units, 2,078. As from Ist April, 1941, a new scale of annual license fees has been introduced, thus affording quite a measure of relief to resellers. Briefly, the scale is based on payment of a flat rate of £1 per annum for those operating one pump only, and £2 for those operating two or more pumps. Fisheries Industries. The various branches of the sea-fishing industry now come under the licensing provisions of the Industrial Efficiency Act, 1936. The branches concerned and the number of licenses issued under each as at the 30th April, 1941, is as follows : — Industrial fishing .. .. .. .. 1,812 Fish wholesalers .. .. .. . . .. 4-2 Fish retailing .. .. .. .. .. 678 Fish exporting .. .. .. .. .. 28 Fish-canning .. .. .. .. .. 11 Industrial oyster dredging .. .. .. .. 9 Total .. .. .. .. .. 2,580 Whilst it is true that no actual industrial plan has been introduced as provided for by the Act, the administration is being effected under the Foodstuffs Control Emergency Regulations, and a Committee, with Mr. Jas. Thorn, M.P., as Chairman, continues to act in an advisory capacity to the Bureau of Industry and to the Food Controller. With the taking-over of a number of trawlers for naval purposes the supply position has been adversely affected and export to Australia from the North Island has been considerably curtailed. Despite this, however, and the fact that a number of fishermen are serving overseas with the armed forces or are about to take up military duties, the industry appears to be working smoothly and efficiently. Apple-juice. Illustrative of the efforts made by the Bureau of Industry to promote industrial welfare in licensed industries was the campaign instituted, in collaboration with the Internal Marketing Division, for the furthering of sales of apple-juice in the Dominion. While it is yet too early to ascertain what success has been achieved, it is sincerely hoped, and indeed anticipated, that the campaign will have materially assisted in putting the industry on a sound and efficient basis and at the same time assisted in the utilization of our surplus apple crop. Asbestos-cement Products. This industry has become of considerable importance since the outbreak of war in view of the shortage of corrugated iron, and as a result the demand for asbestos-cement roofing-materials has increased out of all proportion. The Bureau, appreciative of the unprecedented demand for asbestoscement roofing-materials, quite recently dealt with and granted an application for a further license in the industry. It is anticipated that when this new unit is in production the position will be considerably alleviated. Dry-cell Batteries. Considerable progress has been made in this industry, which is now in a position to more than fulfil the requirements of the Dominion. As a result it is no longer necessary to import this commodity. Wet-storage Batteries. Here again practically the whole of the needs of the Dominion are met by local manufacturers, and the industry appears to be in a very sound position. Consideration has been given to the formation of an industrial plan, and it is anticipated that this will be submitted to the industry for voting at an early date. Macaroni. This industry, licensed during the current year, is a new one for the Dominion, and it is hoped that a considerable saving in overseas funds will result from the setting-up of a manufacturing unit in the Dominion. The application of licensing should ensure that the development of the industry will be along sound and economic lines. Nails. The past year has been an abnormal one for the industry in view of the much increased demand for nails resulting from the constructive work carried out in the establishment of mobilization camps throughout the Dominion. Nevertheless, the industry has been able to meet the demand, and it is anticipated that it will be more than able to do so in the future. In this connection efforts have been made by the Bureau to reduce the number of nails being imported into the country.

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