H.—44.

Tanneries. Output: 1925, £591,165; 1926, £616,596. Employees :T 1925, 550; 1926, 495. The tanning industry is directly affected by the state of trade in the footwear industry, and conditions in both industries are at present unsatisfactory. Soap and Candle Industry. Output: 1925, £560,897; 1926, £538,026. Employees: 1925,472; 1926,460. The value of the output of this industry shows a decrease as compared with the previous year, mainly as a result of reduced output of candles and lower prices for soap. Competition from overseas is very keen in all the fancy lines of soap. Agricultural and Dairying Machinery. Output: 1925, £619,775; 1926, £716,672. Employees: 1925,986; 1926,1,040. The statistics for the year ended the 31st March, 1926, show that manufacturers had a satisfactory year. The value of the agricultural implements and machinery produced in the Dominion for the past three y;ars is as follows: 1923-24, £83,561 : 1924-25, £63,347 ; 1925-26, £65,953. The value of dairying machinery manufactured is as follows: 1923-24, £187,304; 1924-25, £250,344; 1925-26, £302,407. The foregoing statistics show that there was an increasing output of dairying machinery during the three years ended the 31st March, 1926. The output of agricultural machinery is, however, falling, and in both of these industries conditions in the past year have been relatively unsatisfactory. Foreign competition is increasing, and with reduced local output costs of local manufacture are tending to increase. Biscuit and Confectionery Making. Output: 1925, £1,469,808; 1926, £1,588,459. Employees: 1925, 2,404; 1926, 2,494. The statistics in connection with this industry disclose a satisfactory position. Not only has the value of the output and the number of employees increased, but the added value by process of manufacture and the added value per employee have also increased. Manufacturers report that the biscuit and confectionery trade has been well maintained during the present year, but that the chocolate-manufacturing branch is meeting keen competition from an increasing number of countries. Furniture- and Cabinet-making Industry. Output : 1925, £1,256,073 ; 1926, £1,375,620. Employees : 1925, 2,2-37 ; 1926, 2,767. The number of furniture-factories operating in the Dominion has increased during the past three years. The number operating in 1924 was 275 ; 1925, 286 ; 1926, 311. The output, number of employees, and added value show increases. The added value per employee has, however, decreased from £297 in 1925, to £270 in 1926. Manufacturers report a decline in trade during the present year, and in recent months there have been quite a number of skilled men in these trades unemployed. Jams and Preserves. Output: 1925, £239,742 ; 1926, £234,775. Employees : 1925, 299 ; 1926, 247. Since the period covered by the above figures ended this industry has experienced a quiet period. In the Otago District this has been attributed to the poor stone-fruit crop. In some quarters, more particularly in Auckland, a brighter tone exists. Sauces, Pickles, and Vinegars. Output: 1925, £200,164 ; 1926, £202,065. Employees : 1925, 239 ; 1926, 237. This industry reports a slight improvement since the above returns were prepared, and trade generally is said to be satisfactory. Bricks, Tiles, and Pottery. Output: 1925, £634,764; 1926, £700,183. Employees: 1925, 1,283 ; 1926, 1,392. The present building depression is having an adverse effect upon this industry, which up to a few months ago was in a prosperous state. Engineering. Output: 1925, £1,846,218 : 1926, £1,993,911. Employees : 1925, 3,509 ; 1926, 3,807. Up to the end of 1926 normal conditions were experienced in this industry, but since the beginning of 1927 business has gradually fallen off and to-day things are exceptionally quiet in the engineering industry. All centres report that there are a number of skilled engineers unemployed. Rope and Twine. Output: 1925, £223,234; 1926, £237,573. Employees: 1925,233; 1926,227. Those associated with this industry report good business since the above figures were compiled.

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