H.—44

Rope and Twine Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1934. 1935. 1936. Establishments (number) .... 6 6 8 Employees (number) . . . ■ 228 228 243 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £34,828 £36,052 £39, 747 Value of output .. •• •• £130,903 £128,506 £159,925 Value added by manufacture .. .. £69,362 £69,668 £87,362 Conditions in the flax industry have shown a general improvement throughout the year. Exports of hemp and tow from New Zealand almost doubled in value those for the preceding year. When viewed in comparison with the figures in respect of past years, however, and having regard to the fact that the industry is subsidized by the Government, it will be readily appreciated that great leeway has to be made up to achieve the former position of importance. The comparison of the exports of hemp and tow for the past ten years is provided hereunder Calendar Year. Tons. £ Calendar Year. Tons. £ 1927 .. .. 19,600 535,526 1932 .. .. 3,850 47,318 1928 .. .. 15,683 394,450 1933 .. .. 4,402 47,632 1929 .. 14,720 379,942 1934 .. .. 4,173 52,018 1930 .. .. 9,493 221,923 1935 .. .. 4,101 57,553 1931 ~ .. 2,398 38,407 1936 .. .. 6,209 111,528 The manufacture of woolpacks at Foxton from New Zealand fibre has provided a decided impetus to the industry, in view of the possibilities involved. A pack has now been placed on the market which is second to none so far as quality is concerned. The factory oflers scope for employment to many workers not only in manufacturing operations connected with the manufacture of woolpacks, but also in the flax areas and the flaxmill from which the hemp is obtained. Rope and twine manufacturers report improved business conditions, with some increase in sales. Clothing. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1934. 1935. 1936. Establishments (number) .. . . 249 290 318 Employees (number) .. ■■ 7,877 9,394 10,296 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £831,871 £952,844 £1,025,510 Value of output .. .. •• £2,631,182 £2,958,508 £3,090,027 Value added by manufacture .. £1,264,304 £1,391,877 £1,508,550 Imports, calendar years —Apparel.. .. £1,036,201 £1,101,887 £1,261,519 The above statistics reveal a continued improvement in conditions in this industry during the 1936 year. Individual reports indicate that turnovers are well up on last year, and all branches of the industry have been working to full capacity. In several instances the reports indicate that a large amount of overtime has been worked and some difficulty had been experienced through deliveries having been retarded arising from the inability of factories to procure sufficient skilled labour. Agricultural and Dairy Machinery and Implement Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1934. 1935. 1936. Establishments (number) .. .. 37 44 Employees (number) . . .. • • 532 689 880 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £95,301 £127,124 £166,227 Value of output .. £338,049 £492,925 £692,141 Value added by manufacture .. £179,032 £239,354 £352,041 Reports indicate that very busy conditions have prevailed, with sales showing decided increasesranging up to 40 per cent, in individual instances. Consequently many factories have increased staffs. " There appeared to be plenty of work on hand at the close of the period, and prospects were considered good. Recently, however, overseas competition is causing the industry some anxiety. Woollen-manufacturing. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1934. 1935. 1936. Establishments (number) .. .. 12 12 12 Employees (number) .. •• 2,466 2,532 2,632 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £326,156 £345,591 £360,782 Value of output £976,813 £1,048,849 £1,005,830 Value added by manufacture .. £601,140 £588,448 £592,741 The year commenced with steady conditions on an improved level. With the increase in wages and the introduction of the forty-hour week, buyers ordered heavily to obtain supplies prior to the increase in prices. Again the excellent prices received by farmers at wool-sales meant an advance in the price of raw material to the manufacturer, which would have to be passed on to some extent,

39