H.—44

1945 NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE (TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency

Wellington, 10th September, 1945. Your Excellency,— I have the honour to submit for your Excellency's information the report of the Department of Industries and Commerce for the past year. I have, &c., D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Industries and Commerce. His Excellency the Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand.

Wellington, 24th August, 1945. Sir,— I have the honour to submit the annual report of the Department of Industries and Commerce. This report deals with the work of the Department since the previous report was placed before Parliament, and covers the period ended 31st March, 1945. I have, &c., L. J. Schmitt, Secretary. The Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Industries and Commerce.

MANUFACTURING : GENERAL COMMENTS Comment on some of the more important manufacturing industries follows :— Textiles Woollen Manufacture. —General production has declined considerably since reaching the peak figure in 1943, when military demands were at their height. Loss of skilled operatives is the main factor in this decline. Much new machinery has been installed during the war years ; more is on order, to enable the mills to cater for a greater proportion of the domestic market, thus utilizing within the country a greater quantity of our own wool. Reports from Service units on the military cloth produced by the industry, have shown that New Zealand's quality compares more than favourably with that of other countries. Clothing Manufacture. —The switch from military to civil production is being successfully undertaken, but labour shortages have involved the transfer of staff from less essential to more essential work. The materials position is still difficult, with particular emphasis on the cotton position. During the year a Garment Council was formed, the members comprising representatives of the manufacturers, retailers, and interested Government Departments. The Council reviewed production regularly, and the overall picture shows an improvement over last year. The Marking of Clothing Control Order, effective 19th February, 1945, provides for specified types of garments to be so marked, that the maker, or the firm for which they are made, can be readily identified. Knitted Wear Manufacture. —Capacity is sufficient to meet rationed requirements, except in small children's wear. Yarn supplies have shown an improvement this year, and the year's output of knitted wear is the best for several years. Tent and Cover Manufacture. —Substantial military orders having been filled, manufacturers are devoting more time to the needs of primary producers. Lack of skilled canvas machinists has meant considerable overtime work. Owing to the critical position of raw material supplies, normal lines a,re unlikely to be in free supply for some time,.