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Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1457, 18 May 1905, Page 2

SOUND PROGRESS. The Napier Telegraph makes an able ontribuiion to the subject of the colony’s irogress, under the above beading. We uote the article in full, as follows :—Proably there is no better method, no more sliable method, of arriving at sound oon- ( elusions as to the progress of the colony during the last dozen or so of years, than by a careful estimate of the industrial situation now and then. It is obvious, how* over, that the utmost caution must be observed in any deductions made. For example, a ready means pf arriving at what might he called the wonderful progress of the colony, industrially considered, is the marked increase in the value of the industrial output. In 1890, for instance, the total value of all manufacturing pro. ducts, including repairs, was £850,156. In 1900 (the last year for which certified official figures .are given in the 1904 Year Book) the total has risen to £805,606. Such an increase at first sight seems wonderful. Even with all proper allowances made it must be regarded as creditable in the extreme, and as proving that our industries are in a healthy and growing I condition. But this mast be said subject I to those allowances. Foremost among these is the fact that prices have risen considerably since 1900. Consequently, although the total of 1900 represents a largely increased output in quantity, and l doubtless in quality, the quantitative increase is less than would be indicated by J the figures had there been no rise in prices, - ... , .

In trying to form an cstimato of tbo actuul quantitative l incrause, a usoful and, bo far uu it goes, a roliubla tost is tlio increase in tho number of hands otnployod in industrial establishments. Tho figures undor this head justify a sanguine view of our industries." Tho Yoor Boole, in a summary of the principal industries of the oolouy founded upon tbo census roturns, shows that whereas in 1891 the total number of porsons ompioyod was 25.063, this uumbor had rison by tho time the census of 1901 was taken to 41,726. This indicates a most substantial rato of progross. Indood, taking into account tho population of tho colony, tho improvement shown is one that Now Zealand has every right to bo proud of. As tending to accontuato this view, it may bo stated that in tho calculation, both as regards values and number of hands employed, the Government Printing Ofiioo and tho Government workshops have boon omitted, and in addition 6121 porsons employed in dressmaking, tailoring, shirtmaking, and monumental masons' establishments have boßn loft out also, because tho hands employed at similar establishments in 1891 were not inoludod in the industrial compilations for tho period.

There is another method by which we can gauge the industrial progress of the colony over a much shorter period than that from 1891 to 1901. For the five years ending on 31at March, 1901, the male porsons employed in industrial establishments increased from 22,986 to 35,438, or an increase of 54 per cent., while the female employees increased from 4403 to 6288, or by 43 per oent. And it is to be borne in mind that from this calculation all the persons omployed in the Government workshops and in the Government Printing Office are excluded. The census returns for 1895 show that the wages paid in the principal industries for tho year amounted to £1, 907,592. The similar total for 1900 was £8,008,561. Here again it is to be remarked that increased prices have something to do with the result, for although possibly the cost of labor may not quite keep pace with the cost of commodities, there is a tendency for both towards a common level. Hence part of the increased total is due to a rise in wages. At the same time tho figures given above show that there was a substantial increase in the number of hands employed. If we accept the figures given in the Year Book tho number of factories rose from 2459 in 1896 to 3163 in 1901, an increase of 704. Against this it has been said that part of the alleged increase is due to an alteration in the definition of

the word “ factory.” It is to be noted, however, that no alteration of any oonsequenoe ha 3 been made Bince 1896. Further, in this calculation, in addition to the Government Printing Offioe and the Government workshops being shut out, there are also omitted the smaller establishments where dressmaking, skirtmaking, tailoring, and millinery are carried on, and wore not included in the 1896 returns. Hence what would otherwise be a pertinent objection is without value of any kind—is, in fact, founded on a misstatement. Lastly, we have in the figures a good guide to the nature of the substantial progress made. It is in those returns which show that the machinery used in tho establishments included in the'totals has increased from 6400 horse power in 1901. There is, therefore, unimpeaohable evidence of solid industrial progress.