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7.—SUMMARY OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
7 . — A summarised statement of any developments in the agricultural, forestal,fishing,mining, and other industries
of the Colony during the year under review, with a statement as to progress up to date. A special account should be
given of Government grants or other action for the development of the natural resources and industries of the Colony.
Cyprus is essentially an agricultural rather than an industrial country. Progress has
been well maintained during the year and primitive methods of husbandry are gradually
giving way to modern and scientific methods as is shown by the continued increase in the
importation of mechanical tractors, agricultural machinery and chemical manures.
The cultivation of potatoes has been taken up by the people on a more extensive scale
and Cyprus potatoes, which are of a fine quality, are now being exported in large quantities
to adjacent countries.
The cultivation of oranges has been considerably extended and a large export trade in
this commodity has been built up.
Investigation of sub-soil waters, with the aid of the drill imported by the Government, was
carried out during the year with satisfactory results. Twenty wells were drilled, aggregating
3,133 feet of borehole. N o less than 11 bores were carried to second water in the Famagusta
district, thereby extending the area available for orange growing.
Animal and poultry breeding is progressing satisfactorily and there is a steady and growing
demand for Cyprus animals and poultry in neighbouring countries.
Re-afforestation under the Forest Department is being pushed forward as rapidlv as funds
permit. Tree planting is now being eagerly taken up by private individuals and nearly 200,000
forest tree seedlings have been distributed by the Forest Department for the purpose.
Several new plantations were commenced during the year. Tree seed sowing with a tractor,
plough, harrow and drill is being continued.
Development has been considerable in the following industries : mining (especially
asbestos, cupriferous pyrites, chrome, umber, and gypsum), wine and spirit making, cheese
making, fiax, cotton, and silk.
The manufacture oi: cigarettes is a thriving local industry. Cvprus-grown tobacco is now
finding a market on the Conrinent and the cultivation of the Latakia varietv has been
extended.
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N e w factories were established during the year for the manufacture of tiles and bricks,
gypsum, soap, cotton, cheese and ice. Leather-curing showed continued activitv ami a new
factory was established during the year for the tanning of hides and skins. There has also been
an increase in the number of potteries and liour-mills.
Activity continues to be shown in the industry of weaving. A great varietv of silk and
cotton fabric of excellent quality is manufactured and finds a readv sale in both European
and local markets notwithstanding the tact that the manufacture is "conducted in a primitive
method bv means of hand looms which are made locallv.
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A privately owned silkfilatureon the most up-to-date lines is now in operation and is
turning out silk of excellent quality.
Among minor industries, broom-making, and fruit-preserving showed continued activitv.
The jam factory yr.n by rhe Agricultural Department is doing good work and it is hoped will lead
to the establishment of others in the near future. Bee-keeping on modern methods is
developing. The Cyprus bee is noted for its value in the apiary. The manufacture of soap has
progressed appnyiably and is gradually coming into the foreground of industrial development.
Furniture-making and shoe-making have progressed considerablv.
The art of embroidery is also well advanced ; a great number of girls and women are
engaged on needlework and lace-making. The latter is in wide demand abroad.
No Government grants for the development of industries have been made during the
year.
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