30% was due to the increase in voluntary absenteeism, nearly 40% increase in involuntary absenteeism, and 30% to the decrease to the in productivity per man-shift worked. II. CONSUMPTION. 5. Consumption has so far been below the level assumed for the summer stock building programmes; so that the losses of production have to some extent been counterbalanced by gains on the consumption side. As compared with last year, consumption by Gas Works and the main line Railways shows some reduction and the level of consumption at Electricity Stations is now only about 2% higher.