H.—44.

APPENDIX.

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. Note.—ln every case the factory-production statistics of each industry detailed hereunder relate to the twelve months ended 31st March, 1933, 1934, and 1935 (the latest year for which statistics are available). The comments appearing below the statistics in each case relate, however, to the twelve months ending 30th April, 1936, the period covered by this report. Fruit-preserving and Jam-making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1933. 1934. 1935 Establishments (number) .. .. 11 '9 ' " Employees (number) .. .. .. 388 347 371 Wages paid £55,312 £48,830 £48,994 Value of output £277,866 £257,263 £302,142 Value added by manufacture .. .. £111,807 £123,437 £122 795 Imports, calendar years — Jams and preserves (including preserved £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) £(NZ) ,g in B er 8,011 13,341 13,218 iruits, bottled, and preserved in syrup— Apricots 7,285 13,995 19,111 Peaches 15,367 17,871 29,093 Pears 227 585 849 Fruit pulp, n.e.i. .. .. 4,628 6,224 4,610 Total .. .. .. 35,518 52,016 66,881 In the South the fruit season was not normally successful owing to frost intervening during the ruit-settmg period. As a result, employment usually at peak level during the summer months was below normal. Despite the poor fruit season, however, trading-conditions have been favourable. Ihe industry has also been affected from shortage of supplies in the North, and it is estimated that the severe gales experienced in February had so affected supplies that only about two-thirds of the-requirements of pears were available, and canners were unable to supply more than 65 per cent, to 70 per cent of orders. The tomato crop similarly suffered, with the result that tomatoes were also in short supply. Some difficulty was experienced in getting sufficient peas grown for requirements, while there was an over-supply of lemons for peel. Despite the counteracting tendencies experienced, the total turnover was about the same as m the previous year. Staffs were not diminished and were kept fully employed, with some overtime during the tomato season. Boot and Shoe Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1933. 1934 1935 Establishments (number) .. .. 70 71 '70 Employees (number) .. .. 2,277 2 429 2 541 Wages paid £332,061 £336,391 £344 ,'504 Value of output £1,029,011 £1,064,544 £1,102,950 Value added by manufacture .. £535,697 £523,487 £540 663 Imports, calendar years .. .. £253,439 £252,492 £282! 123 The figures reflect a general improvement in the industry. Recent reports indicate a continued improvement m conditions, with sales showing a steady increase. One centre reports marked progress m sales of quality footwear. ' s Lime and Cement. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1933. 1934 1935 Establishments (number) .. .. 45 4.5 qq Employees (number) . . .. 688 631 704 Wages paid £134,842 £130,675 £144,617 Value of output £483,840 £556,425 £582,784 Value added by manufacture .. £381,912 £444,125 £459 483 Imports, calendar years :— ' Cement, building (cwt.) .. .. 3,981 9,379 9 275 Value '■ •• •• •• £2,330 £4,975 £5J61 The above figures indicating the numbers finding employment in this industry show a distinct improvement during 1934-35 Conditions m the industry have since shown a further improvement this being attributable mainly to increased sales consequent upon a marked improvement in the building trade. Ihere is every indication that the improvement will continue.

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