H.—44.

28. Manufacturing Chemists. Production in all cases appears to be ahead of last year's figures. A large share of the New Zealand trade was being satisfied by New Zealand manufacturers prior to December, and with the advent of the Import Regulations the industry is preparing to take up the balance. Many new lines are being made, and prospects are excellent. 29. Ice-cream Manufacture. This industry is becoming increasingly more important in New Zealand. Extensions to plant in certain quarters are at present planned. Sales have been good and employment at a high level. 30. Canvas-goods and Tent Manufacture. The past year has been disappointing. Turnovers, although steady, have not reached expectations, a comparatively dry and mild winter resulting in the sales of tents, covers, and waterproof clothing being correspondingly down. A notable feature of the year's trading has been the steady expansion in all centres of sales of camping equipment. 31. Manufacture of Matches. Production has been satisfactory, with employment at a high figure, although girl-labour has been difficult to retain. Extensions to plant are under way. 32. Canisters. The year has been very busy and outputs are up. New avenues of demand have opened up, and a large increase in turnover must result from the expansion of New Zealand manufacturing. Staffs are high, and the labour position has proved difficult. 33. Paints, Varnishes, Synthetic Finishes, &c. Conditions have been excellent as a result of the large amount of building and renovation work at present in progress. Plants were expanded in several units of the industry, and prospects for the future are bright. 34. Mattresses and Bedding. Turnovers have been satisfactory, and show an increase, particularly for the latter half of the year. Demand has been very high, but some of the benefit has not been felt by the established firms, due to the competition of new units. The labour position in at least one centre is proving an extreme difficulty. 35. Radios. Trading conditions were rather unsatisfactory during the early portion of the year, as competition from imports was severe and sales did not allow of the most profitable production. The Import Regulations have improved the position.

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