ENG-1949 — Page 81

the U.S.A. and Canadian markets, and in resuming exports to Holland. But little progress has been made in regaining the important pre-war Australian market,

Australian market, that country having developed its own production during the war.

Shipbuilding and Repairs

During the early part of the year the industry's repair activities were maintained at a level higher than that anticipated in view of the gradual drying up of postwar reconversion and overhaul work, but there was some falling off towards the end of the year. Some major jobs were undertaken including the almost complete reconstruction of a Japanese tanker of 14,750 tons deadweight sunk during the war off Formosa and salvaged two years later.

Shortage of steel in the earlier part of the year restricted new construction to small craft such as lighters and launches, but an improvement in steel supplies later in the year made it possible for the shipyards to tender for the construction of new vessels and the keel of the first was laid down during the last few weeks of the year.

A proper proportion of new construction and repair work is necessary for the most economical operation of the yards and the maintenance of steady employment, and it is hoped that this will be achieved in 1950. With the almost complete rehabilitation of the yards, the installation of new precision machinery and the adoption of modern techniques in ship- building, notably welding methods, the industry is well equipped for the future.

57