H.—44

29

that while there is a diminishing quantity of cotton and woollen goods imported, the difference is more than made up by an increase in the imports of artificial silk piece-goods.

Recently a leading drapery establishment in New Zealand featured a comprehensive exhibit of garments and other woollen goods, the object being to stimulate a demand for wool. The exhibit was opened by the Prime Minister who emphasized the importance of the community purchasing as far as possible woollen goods, and more especially those which are the product of New Zealand mills. Printing and Publishing. Official statistics, year ended 31st March : — 1927. 1928. 1929. Establishments (number) .. .. 344 346 358 Employees (number) .. .. 7,874 8,053 8,322 Wages paid .. .. .. £1,752,291 £1,805,690 £1,838,262 Value of output .. .. .. £4,527,696 £4,411,052 £4,642,725 Value added by manufacture .. £3,421,672 £3,276,179 £3,476,787 The statistics above show that the decline recorded last year has been more than regained by the figures for 1928-29, value of output recording the substantial increase of £230,000. Reports from leading houses in the Dominion advise a general improvement in trade secured. The quality of the work now turned out by leading printing houses is of an exceptionally high order, and compares very favourably with imported printed matter. Orders which were previously sent overseas are now being placed locally for high-class work. Brush and Broom Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March : — 1927. 1928. 1929. Establishments (number .. .. .. 12 9 10 Employees (number) .. .. .. 238 223 215 Wages paid .. .. .. .. £42,571 £38,192 £40,332 Value of output .. .. .. .. £130,287 £120,130 £111,898 Value added by manufacture .. .. £74,777 £65,046 £67,074 Imports, calendar years— Brushes, brushware, and brooms.. .. £64,723 £76,291 £81,963 Reports from those engaged in this industry state that the condition of the industry is unsatisfactory. Imports again show an increase of approximately £5,000, while the value of output from New Zealand factories has declined by £8,000. The increase in competition from overseas is mainly from the United Kingdom. Local competition is also keen to obtain the business offering in this class of goods.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, liot given; printing (1,250 copies, including graphs), £43 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinnek, Government Printer, Wellington. —l93o.

Price 9d.~]

Piece-goods. 1926. ' 1927. 1928. 1929. £ £ £ £ Artificial silk .. .. .. 711,941 831,782 1,001,569 1,211,335 Woollen .. .. .. .. 813,537 787,986 785,593 742,649 Cotton .. .. .. .. 1,881,372 1,726,923 1,791,685 1,776,661