H—44

These figures relate to a very wide field of industrial activity including the manufacture of transformers, three-phase electric motors, bare and covered copper wires and cables, storage batteries, domestic and industrial heating and cooking appliances, electrical wiring accessories, electric lamps, &c., and the maintenance and repair of all electrical •equipment and installations. Due to financial conditions, considerable efforts have been made by the Department to locate sterling or other soft-currency sources of supply of essential raw materials and equipment for this industry, and excellent progress has been made in this direction. Some of the more important items involved are standard types of single-phase fractional ■electric motors, electric-generating and automatic-control equipment, all of which are now in much better supply from the United Kingdom. Brief reference is made to the following developments in the manufacturing side of this industry : {a) Bare and Insulated Copper Wires and Gables. —Towards the end of last year, important British interests decided to proceed with the establishment of a new factory at Christchurch to draw and insulate copper wires and cables. There are already two units operating, both situated at Auckland, and, with the entry of this further unit, it is probable that a greater portion of our requirements (which have grown steadily to the extent that overseas purchases now total over £1,000,000 annually) will eventually be met from domestic sources. (b) Electric Ranges and Rangettes.—An improvement in availability of raw materials is reflected in the increased output of ranges as revealed in the following table :

Kangette production fell due to labour difficulties and tlie fact that the industry concentrated to some extent on range-production for urgent housing requirements. However, a substantial increase in output of rangettes is forecast during 1950. Sales turnover during 1949 amounted to approximately £700,000. T O Y-MANUFACTUBE The local toy industry showed considerable expansion, and developed to the stage where it could be considered a major industry offering a wide range of metal, plastic, xubber, mechanical, wooden, and soft toys. The factory selling-value of toys placed on the market in 1949 was slightly in excess of £750,000. With the greater mechanization now possible by the improved availability of the right types of raw materials and machinery, the industry has programmed further expansion this year, which will provide an even greater range and variety of articles. Motor-vehicle Tires and Tubes Although licensed under the Industrial Efficiency Act in 1945 the three local motor tire and tube manufacturers were not in regular production until 1949, various factors having contributed to delaying the commencement of production. Our annual requirements have been estimated as approximately 400,000 tires of all types, and the industry plans to meet approximately 90 per cent, of this total leaving the balance, covering odd sizes not included in the local manufacturing range, to be imported.

49

—• 1947. 1948. 1949. Ranges Rangettes 18,885 6,886 19,427 7,777 20,987 5,443