ENG-1955 — Page 81

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

53

These mills are among the most modern in the world, producing counts of yarns ranging from IOS to 60s carded and combed, supplied in single or multiple threads. Total monthly output, based on 20s counts, is approximately 10,549,872 lbs., of which a large proportion is taken up locally by knitting and weaving factories. The remainder is exported, principally to Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Burma and the Philippines. Exports of cotton yarn in 1955 amounted to 32,351,460 lbs., valued at £6,270,487. A number of the mills are also equipped for weaving with the latest types of automatic loom. There are 51 finishing mills.

In the weaving section of the textile industry there are 146 factories, operating about 6,500 power looms and employ- ing over 8,500 workers. There are also numerous handlooms operating in smaller establishments. Drills and grey sheeting, which form the bulk of the cloth produced, account for 31% of the Colony's textile exports. Other fabrics of importance are shirtings, matts, osnaburgs and towellings. Exports of cotton piece-goods amounted to 164,730,831 square yards, valued at £11,384,106, with the United Kingdom the principal buyer, and Indonesia and Malaya next in im- portance. Exports of cotton towelling were valued at £823,228.

There are 14 establishments producing brocade piece- goods of traditional Chinese design. The remaining textile concerns include knitting and ready-made garment factories producing underwear and outerwear, gloves, bathing suits, socks, stockings and many other items. Exports of shirts were valued at £4,106,758, cotton singlets at £3,683,991, and gloves at £2,366,651. The United Kingdom was the chief destination for both shirts and gloves.

Footwear. 67 factories, employing 8,584 workers. Rubber footwear, manufactured by 54 of the factories, is one of the Colony's major exports. Products include Wellington boots, plimsolls, and shoes for beach, sports, and house wear. Of high quality, these have met with increasing demand from overseas buyers. 1,594,994 dozen pairs, valued at £3,856,611, were exported in 1955. Principal markets were the United Kingdom and Canada.

The remaining factories turn out a variety of footwear, mainly leather, which finds steady markets, principally in Malaya and Thailand.