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Range-ma,king. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1935. 1936. 1937. Establishments (number) .. .. 11 8 11 Employees (number) . . . . 408 436 683 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £69,748 £74,650 £125,517 Value of output .. .. .. £199,920 £206,527 £319,650 Value added by manufacture .. £136,511 £148,044 £219,759 In connection with the manufacture of gas-ranges, conditions have been stated to be difficult owing to the increasing use of electric ranges and to overseas competition. In regard to the manufacture of electric ranges, a much healthier state of affairs has prevailed and production and sales have shown considerable expansion, with a corresponding increase in employment. Competition is, however, keen. Wireworking. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1935. 1936. 1937. Establishments (number) .... 19 20 23 Employees (number) .. . . 160 195 231 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £26,993 £34,235 £50,104 Value of output .. .. .. £125,618 £154,868 £227,411 Value added by manufacture .. £68,152 £79,788 £107,305 The year has been a fluctuating one for manufacturers, considerable difficulty having been experienced in procuring raw materials from overseas. Tanneries. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1935. 1936. 1937. Establishments (number) . . . . 15 16 14 Employees (number) . . . . 531 543 571 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £100,668 £104,888 £117,755 Value of output .. .. .. £492,604 £519,157 £614,113 Value added by manufacture .. £198,454 £210,692 £217,565 This industry has felt the effects of the slackness which obtained for some time in the boot and shoe industry, but it is hoped that conditions will improve as the result of the recent tariff changes. Manufacture of Baths, Basins, Sinks. Conditions appear favourable, and the recent tariff adjustment against Australian porcelain enamelled baths is of substantial benefit to this industry. Manufacturing Chemists. Reports indicate an improvement in conditions, and indications appear to point to a continuance of steady business for some time to come. Ice-cream Manufacture. An excellent year is reported, with sales showing substantial increases, and employment also increasing. Canvas-goods and Tent Manufacture. General business conditions were good, with some increase in sales. Employment has been steady throughout. Prospects are considered bright. Manufacture of Matches. Demand was steady throughout the year, and trading conditions were satisfactory.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1,280 copies), £67 10s.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l93B. Price is.]

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