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APPENDIX.

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. Note. —In every case the factory-production statistics of each industry detailed hereunder relate to the twelve months ending 31st March, 1935, 1936, and 1937 (the latest year for which statistics are available). The comments appearing below the statistics relate, however, to the twelve months ending 31st March, 1938, the period covered by this report. Fruit-preserving and Jam-making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1935. 1936. 1937. Establishments (number) .... 12 17 16 Employees (number) .. .. 371 425 427 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £48,994 £56,328 £64,123 Value of output .. .. .. £302,142 £361,151 £387,494 Value added by manufacture .. £122,795 £148,250 £159,820 Imports, calendar years — -Jams and preserves (including preserved £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) ginger) .. .. .. 13,218 13,653 17,982 Fruits, bottled and preserved in syrup — Apricots .. .. .. 19,111 18,260 21,514 Peaches .. ... .. 29,093 31,413 62,686 Pears .. .. .. .. 849 2,574 20,504 Fruit pulp, n.e.i. .. .. 4,610 10,049 25,795 In the South the past year has been satisfactory, with some slight increase in turnover j and the fruit season was good, although crops came in rather too quickly to suit manufacturers. In the North, however, sales compared somewhat unfavourably with the position disclosed by last year's figures, certain fruits and peas being in short supply, the chief unfavourable feature being brown-rot, whicli affected the stone-fruits. Generally speaking, the year for the Dominion as a whole may be regarded as satisfactory. Boot and Shoe Making. Official statistics, year ended 31st March — 1935. 1936. 1937. Establishments (number) . . . . 76 75 71 Employees (number) .. .. 2,541 2,788 3,108 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £344,504 £360,684 £438,084 Value of output .. .. .. £1,102,950 £1,140,646 £1,384,186 Value added by manufacture .. £540,663 £534,340 £648,442 Imports, calendar year : Boots, shoes, and slippers— Dozen pairs .. .. .. 211,165 219,650 267.035 Value .. .. .. .. £472,056 £508,778 £708^024 The year commenced with large orders being placed with manufacturers, but it later became evident that retailers had acquired stocks in anticipation of higher prices, this subsequently operating unfavourably on the industry. Costs rose as regards both raw material and labour, and the position of the New Zealand manufacturer became, difficult when, as the year progressed, orders placed overseas earlier in the year began to arrive. With Government action in the direction of introducing tariff amendments, however, the position eased considerably, and a rapid increase in production resulted. At the close of the period it was ascertained that retailers, while reducing stocks, had still considerable quantities on. hand, and as the winter demand had not yet set in, owing to exceptional weather conditions, this factor operated to some extent to discourage retailers from placing orders. A feeling of optimism is becoming increasingly apparent, and in general it is felt that the tariff amendments will contribute largely to the solution of the difficulties which have confronted the trade in the past. The full benefits of these adjustments will not be felt until retail stocks become liquidated. It is stated that the exclusion of " shoddy " footwear will be of great benefit to the industry as well as to consumers. In certain directions attention is being given towards manufacturing lines not previously catered for in New Zealand. Some little difficulty was being experienced in one centre in obtaining skilled labour, but it is thought that this matter will soon adjust itself. Lime and Cement. Official statistics, year ended 31st March— 1935. 1936. 1937. Establishments (number) .... 50 57 60 Employees (number) .. .. 704 759 953 Salaries and wages paid .. .. £144,617 £165,592 £212,657 Value of output .. .. .. £582,784 £703,724 £836,048 Value added by manufacture ... £459,483 £549,831 £670,057 Imports, calendar years— Cement, building (cwt.) .. .. 9,275 17,920 24,085 Value .. .. .. .. £5,161 £10,312 £13,700 The position regarding the above industry is dealt with in other sections of this report. Some increase in sales has taken place.

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