ITALIAN INDUSTRIES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 44, 16 November 1920, Page 8

ITALIAN INDUSTRIES

SILK AND HEMP PRODUCTION EXTENSION OF OPERATIONS In n report on the probable future of Itnlinn industries, Professor Giuseppe Bclluzo, of the Mflan Polytechnic Institute, states Hint Italy holds the first: place in the production of rflk and of hemp. Tlir production of these two textile fibres is being extended, and the means of their manufacture, improved with a view to increasing their export. Italy is dependent on imports from abroad wholly as regards cotton and jute, and partially as lizards llax and wool. None the "less, these industries have increased their production. There are in operation in Italy about live, million spindles for spinning; cotton, and more than hnlf-n-million for spinning wool. The number of cotton and wool looms are, respectively, seventy-live and fourteen thousand. In spite of the difficulties connected with the supply of raw. material*, the Italian textile industries nro fully employed, and are preparing for fresh exports. Experiments, studies, and projects linvo been made for the cultivation of cotton in 'the colonies, in regions irrigated by special plant. The production and industry of silk waste is in full swing, continuing the export already existent before the war. Specialties in textiles, such as ribbons, printed goods, folt. jute bags, etc., aro again working their full capacity. Agricultural and food-producing industries are in marked resumption; sugar, conserves, and milk products, to name the principal among these industries, show great technical improvements. Speeia! laboratories, which are being set up for the scientific study of the processes relating to fermentation, will greatly eoutribu'to to the progress of these industries. There has been a remarkable, growth in the production. of beer and n great improvement in its quality. Among tho normal food industries may be mentioned that of fishing, in respect of which it should be' noted that great schemes are projected for moderating tho primitive methods of fishing.» By their adoption (he combustion motor will aid or rerJlace the sail, and the fish, as soon as they are caught, will be, transferred to vessels having refrigerators, and ho rapidly carried to the ports of distribution. ' Tho paper industry, in view of the difficulties connected with tho supply of raw material, has not yet resumed its full output, although both home and foreign demands have increased. Schemes for reafforestation and the rapid rotation of nulp-prodncing plants, both by means of mechanical and chemical processes, nre under consideration, the existing special laboratories for the study I of 'the processes connected with tho paper industry, have been enlarged, and everything points to n great development of this industry by means of electrical power. The, development of those industries in which the artistic sense is imnorlnnt liavo been specially remarkable. Thus the industries connected with furniture, buttons, bronzes, marble, and corals lire fully occupied, as well as those of hats, gloves, and clothes in general, (lie relative exports of,which already reach a conGidorublo figure. Italian industry, savs the professor, largely reckons for its result? on the intelligent industry o* its own workmen; thi! numerous nrofessional schools which aro being opened, for tbe various .industries will increase ancP'iilTuso among the Italian people such industrial knowledge as will make them Tealise the national importance of the problems of industrial production.