Statistics.—The manufacture of silk in this country during the past twenty years has continuously diminished. The causes which have led to this are not far to seek. The extraordinary develop ment of other industries greatly drained the labour supply formerly available, enhancing the value of that which remained ; legislative enactments in the interests of the operatives further hampered the trade when brought into competition with the unrestricted, unprotected, and cheap labour of the Continental states ; and the final blow was the sudden abolition of the import duties on foreign silk goods on the conclusion of the first treaty of commerce between France and this country. From the check then received, the silk industry of this country has never recovered, and a steady diminution of its extent and importance has since taken place.
The following table exhibits a summary of its condition in 1879 as shown by a Return to Parliament. A comparison is also afforded with its state in 1874.
The figures of these returns give the numbers of workers subject to the enactments of the Factory Acts. Much of the silk industry has, however, remained LL domestic occupation, for which it is peculiarly suitable. Those employed in this section do uot therefore fall within the enumeration.
They form fully one half: if the particulars for the above periods be each multiplied by two, an approximately accurate result will be obtained.
Our imports of silk manufactures from countries out of Europe were valued at 330,744/. in 1879, and at 239,852/. in 1880 ; and from countries in Europe, at 12,511,174/. in 1879, and 13,085,083/. in 1880.
Our exports of silk manufactures in the year 1880 were as follows. Broad-stuffs of silk or satin, 3,746,830 yd., 710,365/., nearly half being to France, and almost a quarter to Australia. All-silk handkerchiefs, scarfs, and shawls, 409,189/., about three-fourths being to Bengal and Burma. Silk ribbons, 123,429/., more than half to Australia. Silk lace, 109,953/. IR:enumerated all-silk goods, 250,807/. Broad-stuffs of silk and other materials, 2,471,680 yd., 302,355/. Other kinds of goods containing silk, 124,56l/. Grand total value, 2,030,659/. R. M.
(See Cotton Manufactures ; Silk ; Woollen Manufactures.)