H.—44.

Exports of hemp and tow in each of the past nine calendar years were as follows : — Calendar Year. Tons. £ 1927 .. .. .. .. .. 19,600 535,526 1928 .. .. .. .. .. 15,683 394,450 1929 .. .. .. .. .. 14,720 379,942 1930 .. .. .. .. .. 9,493 221,923 1931 .. .. .. .. .. 2,398 38,407 1932 .. .. .. .. .. 3,850 47,312 1933 .. .. .. .. .. 4,402 47,632 1934 .. .. .. .. .. 4,173 52,018 1935 .. .. .. .. .. 4,101 57,553 Eope and twine manufacturers report satisfactory conditions, one report stating that sales have increased from 7J per cent, to 10 per cent. There is less competition in binder twines from overseas, but keen local competition continues for the restricted market. Employment has been normal. The manufacture of woolpacks from Phormium ten,ax is now an established industry, which offers scope for the employment of a considerable number of workers, not only in the factory but also in the flax areas and mill from which the hemp is obtained. Very favourable reports have been received in regard to the quality of the New-Zealand-made woolpack, and the Government has recognized the possibilities of the industry by securing to the New Zealand factory a definite share of the local market and by other assistance. Clothing. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1933. 1934. 1935. Establishments (number) . . .. 254 249 290 Employees (number) .. .. 7,616 7,877 9,394 Wages paid .. .. .. £807,206 £831,871 £952,844 Value of output .. .. .. £2,400,599 £2,631,182 £2,958,508 Value added by manufacture .. £1,188,153 £1,264,304 £1,391,877 Imports, calendar years — Apparel .. .. .. .. £941,466 £1,030,584 £1,073,844 A distinct improvement is reflected in the statistics for 1934-35, with an increase of 1,517 in the number of employees. During the current year, sales in all lines have been even better, and business has increased. Additional hands have been employed and a good deal of overtime worked. In certain cases there have been reported a scarcity of skilled operatives. Prospects are stated to be good. Agricultural and Dairy Machinery and Implement Malting. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1933. 1934.. 1935_ Establishments (number) .... 37 37 44 Employees (number) . . .. . . 542 532 689 Wages paid.. .. .. .. £97,094 £95,301 £127,124 Value of output .. .. .. £329,476 £338,049 £492,925 Value added by manufacture .. .. £171,475 £179,032 £239,354 Conditions generally in this industry are brighter than in previous years. In the South sales show a continued increase of varying rates from 18 per cent, to 23 per cent., while in the case of certain firms the number of employees has shown increases ranging from thirty-four in one instance to ninety in another. In spite of this increase in labour, overtime has had to be worked during the year. The general improvement in the industry and the increase in numbers employed is confirmed by reports from North Island manufacturers. Woollen-manufacturing. Official statistics, year ended 31st March : — 1933. 1934. 193 6Establishments (number) .... 10 12 12 Employees (number) .. .. ~ 2,349 2,466 2,532 Wages paid .. .. .. .. £316,352 £326,156 £345,'591 Value of output .. .. .. £888,546 £976,813 £1,048,849 Value added by manufacture .. .. £564,936 £601,140 £588,448 South Island mills report a busier time than during the previous year, with an all-round increase in sales approximating 10 per cent., consequently more workers have been employed and a considerable amount of overtime had to be worked. Towards the end of the period under review a distinct shortage of female operatives was in evidence, and some mills had difficulty in executing orders as required. In the North the indications point to considerable improvement, with trade very buoyant at present and demand brisk.

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