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stagnation until 1896, when the improved condition of the world’s
markets again aroused international production to new life. In
1897, something occurred which may turn out to be of considerable
importance for the industrial development of Norway, viz. that
the commercial treaty between Norway and Sweden, which, with
different modifications, had been in force throughout the union of the
two countries, ceased to exist, having been denounced by Sweden.
The common industrial market was thus dissolved, and mutually
prohibitive tariff rates took its place, whereby a sudden and very
strong industrial activity was caused in Norway, assisted by good
times for commerce and shipping, and an unusual activity in our
foreign markets. Our country has now a number of large
manufacturing establishments provided with up-to-date machinery, and
this is especially the case in the wood manufactures, and in the
machine industry, but also in other branches of industry.
The rather considerable rainfall, and the peculiar topographical
structure of the country with its wide mountain plateaus and
the step-formation in the valleys have supplied Norway with
superabundant natural motive power in the waterfalls, of which
there is a greater abundance than in any other land. A large
number of these falls, representing millions of horse-power, are
conveniently situated, and ought to ensure a continually
increasing development of the industries of the country, especially
in those branches of manufacture where a very strong motive
power is needed. A flourishing industry for exporting purposes
on the other hand, is hampered by the poverty of the country
as far as raw materials are concerned, by its rough climate and
by the relatively high wages, and the defective industrial
education of the labouring population, etc.
The total number of manufactories in Norway at the end of the
year 1895, was 1910, employing in the aggregate 59,800 individuals
(inclusive of officials and clerks). This number has been considerably
increased since that time, and can now be estimated at about
70,000 persons. In the year 1850, the aggregate number was 12,700.
In those branches of industry that are subject to factory
inspection (inclusive of mines, etc.), there were employed in 1896
3484 motors, representing a total of 127,000 horse power; in 1898
the horse power had been increased to 157,300, of which 110,400
was produced by hydraulic power, 44,800 by steam, and 2100 in
other ways.
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