H.—44.

18. Hosiery-factories. Factories have received an increased volume of orders from chain stores and other big retailers whose stocks of imported stockings have become exhausted during the year. In the early part of the year retailers were somewhat critical of the local product, but more recently demand for both fully-fashioned and circular hose shows such an increase that orders cannot be met. In practically all factories staffs have been considerably increased. Extensions to plant have been carried out, and further additions to plant are in view. Conditions in the industry are particularly bright, and it is anticipated that it will be another year before the demand can be met by the present productive units. 19. Tinned-plate and Sheet-metal Working. Firms handling this type of product are exceedingly busy, and staffs have been increased. The increased demand has largely been due to the increased activity in canning foodstuffs, &c., locally. Production should continue to be very good, although supplies of tinned plate and wire are causing a little concern. 20. Electrical Engineering. There has been considerable activity in this industry throughout the year, in spite of the short supplies of conduit and the consequent slowing down of sales of electrical fittings. New lines of domestic equipment have been introduced, and although one factory suffered a severe fire loss in the middle of the year, the factory concerned has since been reorganized and enlarged and is now working to capacity. One large factory has increased its floor-space considerably and staffs have been increased. The State housing scheme has largely increased the sale of all types of electrical fittings. 21. Range-making. Coal-ranges.—Manufacturers report increased sales in these ranges, mainly as a result of the new and improved models with an enamel finish now being marketed. Gas-cookers. —No increase in output in the early part of the year was recorded, and towards the end of the year there was a falling-off in sales, due perhaps to the competition of electric ranges. Electric Ranges. —The year has witnessed a large increase in the production of electric ranges, one firm having doubled its output since the beginning of the year. Another firm have their first sample electric range on test and hope to be in full production shortly. Factories are manufacturing an increasing number of parts, and are installing additional plant to manufacture parts previously imported. 22. Tanneries. This industry in particular has benefited considerably from the Import Control Regulations. Extensions have been made to existing plant, and whereas during the greater part of 1938 demand was very slack, for the whole of the past year production has been at peak-levels. Staffs have been increased in practically all instances, and the demand for military footwear has enhanced the importance of this industry. Difficulties in respect of adequate supplies of raw materials have been overcome to ensure a sufficiency of hides and skins. Several firms have installed new plant. 23. Ice-cream Manufacture. This industry has continued to expand. Sales in general have been very good, and employment is at a high level. 24. Canvas Goods and Tent-manufacture. Manufacturers in this line of business report that trading results have been quite satisfactory in the circumstances, and returns are on a par with the previous year. 25. Manufacturing Chemists. Manufacturers of medicinal preparations, including herbalists, are steadily expanding their output with a view to keeping an extensive market supply. An increasingly important feature is the local development of the cosmetic and toilet preparation manufactures. 26. Canisters. Without exception, firms in this trade report that business over the past year has been excellent. At the present time, owing to the shortage of skilled labour, it has been found impossible to replace those who have enlisted, and in consequence the working of overtime has been found necessary. The greater number of containers required by local manufacturing firms in order to market their increased production has given a distinct stimulus to this industry. A shortage of tinplate during the latter part of the year under review prevented even greater expansion of business. 27. Paints, Varnishes, Synthetic Finishes, &c. This industry has experienced an exceptionally busy year and has benefited considerably from the prohibition of imported paints under the Import Control Regulations. Since the outbreak of war there has been some difficulty in securing supplies of raw materials from overseas.

14