H.—44.

The value of output declined by £188,602, and value added by manufacture by £40,867. The reports for the current year reveal keen competition from local sources. Overseas manufacturers are handicapped by present adverse exchange rate between United Kingdom and New Zealand. Knittmgwools continue to be in strong demand, and while this has been of material assistance to woollen-mills in keeping production figures"at present level, it has had the effect of diverting trade to some extent from other woollen-mill products. The import figures of competing piece-goods show very substantial decreases. The three groups below show a total decline of £1,292,067, a decline of 38 per cent, on the 1930 figures.

Printing and Publishing. Official statistics, year ended 31st March :— 1929. 1930. 1931. Establishments (number) .. .. 358 350 358 Employees (number) .. .. 8,322 8,255 8,192 Wages paid . .. .. £1,838.262 £1,859,182 £1,805,620 Value of output £4,642,725 £4,772,811 £4,509,786 Value added by manufacture .. £3,476,787 £3,569,680 £3,339,487 The increases in production recorded last year have not been maintained, and the 1931 statistics have receded below the 1929 figures. Further reduced output is recorded for the current year. Competition is very keen, and price-ratting for business is prevalent. The outlook is not promising. Brush and Broom, making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March :— 1929. 1930. 1931. Establishments (number) .. .. 10 14 Employees (number) .. .. 215 239 223 Wages paid £40,332 £41,733 £42,415 Value of output £111,898 £135,047 £116,107 Value added by manufacture .. £67,074 £73,212 £66,479 Imports, calendar years : — Brushes, brushware, and brooms .. £81,963 £78,003 £38,623 Unfavourable conditions are reported for the current year. Sales show a decline ranging from 15 to 25 per cent. It will be noticed that, while local production for year ending 31st March, 1931, declined £18,940, or 14 per cent., imports declined over 50 per cent, for the year ending 31st December, 1931.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (1,215 copies), £32.

By Authority : W. A. G. Sktnnek, Government Printer, Wellington. —1932.

Price 9d.

24

Piece-goods. 1928. 1929. 1930. j 1931. £ £ £ £ Artificial and pure silk .. .. 1,001,569 1,211,335 1,020,019 610,191 Woollen .. .. .. 785,593 742,649 622,256 401,513 Cotton and linen .. .. ■■ 1,863,355 1,841,997 1,734,653 1,073,157 Totals .. .. •• 3,650,517 j 3,795,981 3,376,928 2,084,861