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and buyers ordered heavily before the rise. The result was that the industry was kept very busy, and in some instances turnovers were stated to be up by 25 per cent., while employment was increased. Business is still well maintained. Imports of Piece-goods (Calendar Years). 1934 1935. 1936. £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) Artificial wool and pure silk .. .. 875,714 879,544 964,369 Woollen .. .. .. .. 654,861 638,561 823,911 Cotton .. .. .. .. 1,471,741 1,501,754 1,702,164 Printing and Publishing. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1934. 1935. 1936. Establishments (number) .. .. 366 373 384 Employees (number) .. .. 7,744 8,079 7,727 Salaries and wages paid .. ..£1,444,132 £1,513,'478 £1,575^707 Value of output .. .. .. 3,525,188 3,758,937 4,040,114 Value added by manufacture .. 2,594,529 2,795,309 2,963,172. A good year has been experienced in most cases, sales showing increases of from 10 per cent, to 23 per cent, in individual instances, while greater numbers have been found employment in this industry. Competition has been keen. One firm has entered into an arrangement with a London house for the use of its base liquids. These new processes have meant the placing of orders within New Zealand for bottles, labels, cartons, and boxes, all of which is additional business. While there is some apprehension in certain quarters of outside competition, at the same time business continues to be well maintained. Brush and Broom Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1934. 1935. 1936. Establishments (number) .... 15 15 17 Employees (number) .. .. 240 253 302 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £34,678 £37,008 £43,156 Value of output .. .. .. £102,474 £118,251 £145,863 Value added by manufacture .. £56,052 £61,910 £74,941 Imports, calendar years — Brushes, brushware, and brooms .. £38,981 £54,242 £70,833 The industry generally enjoyed a fairly busy year, in some instances sales having increased considerably, enabling larger staffs to be engaged. Towards the close of the period, however, there was reported increased competition from Australian and Canadian sources. In the South one firm extended its factory considerably to increase its output and efficiency, and two new factories commenced operations.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (1,250 copies), £57 10s.

Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 937,

Price Is.]

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