H.—44

Carpet, Manufacture. —During the year production has continued to the maximum possible extent with the labour available. Two qualities only of body carpet are now in production, with the object of maximizing output. Marbled felt continues to be the line produced in greatest volume. Leather and Footwear Tanneries. —Tannery plant and buildings have been considerably increased during the war years, and the present and potential production is more than adequate to meet sole-leather requirements for military and civilian footwear. Steps are being taken to develop the export of leather. A noteworthy feature of the industry is the increased production of calf-skin and sheep-skin leather, which is meeting a demand formerly met from overseas. Footwear. —Production for 1944-45 was below that of the previous year, due mainly to lack of skilled operatives, but each factory is working to quota to meet the ration requirements. Last and heel production was adequate for footwear needs. Leather and Travel Goods.—Gloves, bags, &c., continue to be produced in quantities sufficient for wartime needs. Lack of fittings from overseas has affected the production of travel goods to a certain extent, but an improved supply position is anticipated. Pulp, Paper, and Printing Pulp and Paper Mills. —During the war years the local mills have maintained maximum production and have been practically the sole source of supply of wrapping papers, carton and box boards. Carton and Cardboard Box Manufacture. —For the last few years the demand for cartons, cardboard boxes, and heavy industrial cardboard containers has shown continued expansion, due in a measure to shortage of timber and tinplate for packing. At present, consumption of board is almost double the pre-war figure, and it would appear that the extra demands for cardboard as a packaging medium, arising from increased production of civilian goods, will continue. Printing Industry.—Material supplies have been much more plentiful, but shortage of labour was felt by a number of firms. This industry, also, is meeting the requirements of other manufacturers who are increasing their production of civilian goods. Quantities of machinery, previously not procurable, are on order, both to replace and modernize existing equipment, and to allow of expansion. Electrical and Radio Electric Cables and Flexibles. —During the year, production commenced of small-gauge insulated electric cables and flexibles. At present, imported wire is used and stranded and braided into a variety of gauges and covered with cotton or plastic insulation. Plastic insulation is the most recent type developed overseas from the Services' demands for a fire-resistant cable that would save weight in aircraft and warships. Radio Manufacture. —This industry has been engaged solely on war work, but it is anticipated production for civilian requirements will commence during 1945. Ceramics Insulators. —Production was generally maintained, despite labour difficulties, and export of large quantities continues. Inquiries about the development of post-war export trade are being made. Resistors.—Fixed carbon resistors are now being processed in this country, operations beginning during the year under review. Tableware, &c. —Manufacture has considerably increased, some two hundred hands being employed. The quality of the articles produced is steadily improving. Building Materials Lime and Cement Manufacture. —Production has been maintained, but extremely heavy demands for hydro-electric and other urgent projects have at times caused temporary shortages for general construction and repair purposes. However, manufacturers have worked in close co-operation with the Building Controller to ensure adequate supplies for vital works. Brick Manufacture. —Works have operated on a reduced scale, principally through lack of skilled man-power on the production side, and the lack of skilled tradesmen normally engaged in bricklaying. Pipe and Tile Manufacture. —Most manufacturers report output has been about the same as last year, but labour difficulties affected the output of roofing-tiles to some extent, while the shortage of cement at times restricted production of cement tiles. Sash, Doors, and Joinery. —The use of imported redwood and Oregon has made it possible for joinery manufacturers to keep pace with building activities. Plywoods.—The three units in this industry have been concentrating on the production of special type plywoods needed for defence contracts, and domestic supplies have been relatively short. However, the supply position is rapidly improving. Wallboards.—Production of soft insulating board has considerably increased, and large quantities are being exported for war purposes. Plaster core-board production suffered at periods through reduced output from, plaster-of-paris works, but reasonable production has been maintained and readily utilized by the building industry. Installation of additional productive capacity is anticipated at an early date. Asbestos Cement Roofing and Sheeting.—Despite the addition of a new unit at Christchurcli, the demand for the industry's products remained unsatisfied,

2