H.—44

Fish-liver Oil. —Under the terms of the Industry Licensing (Fish Oil) Notice 1943, dated the 2nd July, 1943, the industry connected with the extraction from fish livers of nutritional or medicinal oils was declared a licensed one under Part 111 of the Industrial Efficiency Act, 1936. Since the industry was declared licensed, the Bureau of Industry has had before it for consideration several applications from various companies desirous of engaging in the industry. Licenses to carry on the industry were in the first place granted to R. Greenwell, Ltd., of Auckland, and the Karitane Products Society, Ltd., of Wellington. Both of these concerns have made considerable progress with their proposals and have carried on manufacturing operations for some time. In addition, the Bureau granted licenses to Seafoods Ltd., of Auckland, and the National Mortgage and Agency Co., Ltd., of Dunedin, these decisions being subsequently reversed by the appeal authority. In respect of three further applications—from Auckland, two ; and Tauranga, one—the Bureau had not arrived at a decision. One further application was declined. Footwear,—Since the last annual report eight meetings of the Footwear Plan Industrial Committee have been held. Since that time also two changes have occurred in the personnel of the Committee. In July, 1943, the Minister appointed Mr. S. D. Macpherson, factory supervisor, Sargood, Son, and Ewen, Ltd., Dunedin, and Mr. G. Marston, union secretary, Lower Hutt, in iieu of Mr. G. Z. Lindley, general manager, Sargood, Son, and Ewen, Ltd., resigned, and Mr. C. A. Watts, union secretary, deceased. The need to programme requirements of civilian footwear was early appreciated by the Committee, and. a civilian production plan was put into operation to ensure that urgent essential requirements were satisfied while, at the same time, allowing the greatest possible production of military footwear. A close liaison has been maintained by the Committee with the Director of Production and the Factory Controller in carrying out this programme, which has been amended from time to time as required to meet changes in military requirements. Agar.—ln the last annual report it was stated that a license to manufacture agar had been issued to the Davis Gelatine Co., Ltd., Christchurch. The company has since erected a factory and installed the necessary plant. Production commenced in July, 194-3, and agar of considerably higher standard than the best-grade agar previously imported is being obtained. Salt. —Further active steps have been taken by the Latex Rubber Co., Ltd., Christchurch, during the year to prosecute its salt-reclamation project at Lake Grassmere. The company's programme has been badly dislocated by flooding during the year, but the draining of the whole of the lake area is now being proceeded with. As soon as this work has been completed, construction of banks for the evaporation-ponds will be recommenced. The company hopes to have about half of the concentratingponds in readiness for evaporation next summer. Radio—During the year the majority of the licensees in this industry have been fully engaged on war production under the direction of the Controller of Radio Production. The Radio Control Notice, which was brought down in June, 1942, and which prohibited the making of domestic radio receiving-sets, is still in force. The Radio Plan Industrial Committee met three times during the year, when matters of general interest to the industry were discussed. Pulp and Paper Products.—During the year all three New Zealand units continued in full swing with higher production than formerly. An appreciable portion of the outputs continued to be applied in satisfaction of requirements associated with military needs. Soft insulating-board is still being supplied to the Eastern Group Supply Council, India. During the year and amendment was made to the Licensing Notice in respect of the definition of " multi-wall bags," which is now worded to cover only the manufacture of those types of paper bags commonly known as " shopping containers." During the year licenses were issued authorizing the manufacture of sulphite pulp, printing and writing papers, and sulphate pulp, wrapping-paper, and liner boards. When manufacture of these lines becomes effective, New Zealand will be largely independent of imported supplies with the exception of newsprint. Rope and Twine.—Activity in this industry has continued at a high level, the general result of which may briefly be summarized as follows : All requirements of the Dominion's Armed Forces have been supplied in full; during 1943 the quantity of cordage supplied to the United States Joint Purchasing Board exceeded the normal production of cordage-factories (the quantity programmed for supply to the United States Joint Purchasing Board during 1944 exceeds the 1943 programme by a further 60 per cent.); all essential supplies for the Merchant Navy and primary and secondary industries have been maintained. Asbestos Cement.—Only one licensee is in operation, Jas. Hardie and Co. Pty., Ltd., Auckland. The factory for Dominion Industries, Ltd., Christchurch, is completed, and marketing on a commercial scale is just commencing. The third licensee has not yet operated on the license granted by the Bureau of Industry. Essential building projects have absorbed the whole local output, but small quantities are now coming available for civilian requirements. With supply restrictions on galvanized iron, asbestos-cement roofing is filling an important place as a substitute Pkormium Tenax.—Production this year, as compared with last year, has been as follows : — 1943-44. 1942-43. Tons. Tons. Fibre .. .. .. ..5,141 3,371 Tow .. .. ... ..711 784 Stripper slips .. .. .. .. 115 69 5,967 4,224

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