H.—44.

Southern factories report a general improvement in the industry, with a small increase in sales resulting in increased numbers finding employment, and a good deal of overtime during rush periods. In the North, conditions have improved during recent months. Although competition is keen as between New Zealand manufacturers and those from overseas, prospects for the current year are considered bright. Furniture and Cabinet Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1933. 1934. 1935. Establishments (number) .. .. 299 281 285 Employees (number) .. .. 1,584 1,576 1,874 Wages paid .. .. .. £236,860 £233,300 £285,081 Value of output .. .. £611,019 £616,365 £773,810 Value added by manufacture .. £348,980 £347,121 £414,012 Conditions throughout the year have shown a distinct improvement, and existing factories have increased their output considerably —from 10 per cent, to 27 per cent, in individual cases —while, in addition, a number of new units have sprung up. Increased building activity, more confidence in the future by the general public, and the setting-up of a larger number of new homes are considered the main factors operating in the general improvement. At the present time factories are working at pressure ; in the North some difficulty has been experienced in procuring skilled hands. Ham and Bacon Factories. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1933. 1934. 1935. Establishments (number) .. .. 40 39 43 Employees (number) . . ■ • 398 427 395 Wages paid .. .. •• £87,675 £91,000 £79,993 Value of output £702,442 £755,716 £805,113 Value added by manufacture .. £275,572 £225,411 £228,608 Cost of materials used .. .. £426,870 £530,305 £576,505 A steady improvement has taken place throughout the year and turnovers have increased : the increases in sales range from 5 per cent, to 17 per cent, in the South. The outlook for the current year is fairly promising, but in the North there is a reported scarcity of pigs, with higher prices ruling. Bricks, Pifes, Tiles, and Pottery Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1933. 1934. 1935. Establishments (number) .. .. 44 43 47 Employees (number) . • • • • • 405 467 618 Wages paid £74,167 £82,664 £111,988 Value of output £180,785 £212,263 £285,164 Value added by manufacture .. .". £168,548 £197,984 £264,729 The figures indicate a decided improvement during the past two years. The industry has enjoyed the benefits accruing from the increased activity in the building trade. Sales are reported to have increased greatly, resulting in a considerable increase in the numbers employed. Flax-milling. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1933. 1934. 1935. Establishments (number) .. .. 20 23 21 Employees (number) .. • • ■ ■ 213 258 316 Wages paid .. .. •• £27,349 £35,456 £42,160 Value of output £54,658 £74,291 £80,711 Value added by manufacture .. .. £38,591 £58,383 £68,911 Rope and Twine Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1933. 1934. 1935. Establishments (number) .... 5 6 6 Employees (number) .. . . • ■ 214 228 228 Wages paid £34,684 £34,828 £36,052 Value of output £144,502 £130,903 £128,506 Value added by manufacture .. .. £72,654 £69,362 £69,668 Conditions in the flax industry have displayed a steady improvement during the past five years. The position of the industry is far from satisfactory, however, and the relatively small export trade now secured is due to the assistance extended to the industry by way of subsidies from the Employment Promotion Fund.

32