H.—44.

Brush and Broom Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March: —■ 1926. 1927. 1928. Establishments (number) .. .. 11 12 9 Employees (number) .. .. 249 238 223 Wages paid .. .. .. £39,103 £42,571 £38,192 Value of output .. .. .. £120,675 £130,287 £120,130 Value added by manufacture .. £69,826 £74,777 £65,046 Imports, calendar years :— Brushes, brush ware, and brooms .. £83,779 £64,723 £76,291 While the value of output decreased by £10,000, imports increased by £12,000. Increased competition was felt from the United Kingdom, from which country £7,700 more worth of goods were imported than in the previous year, £2,000 more from Germany, and £1,000 more from Sweden. Competition from overseas is generally very keen, and the business obtained by New Zealand manufacturers is secured under somewhat difficult conditions.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (950 copies, including graphs), £42 12s. 6d.

Authority : W. A. G Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 929.

Price 9d.~\

31