RETURN OF STOCKS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 252, 1 August 1940, Page 3

RETURN OF STOCKS.

LINEN FLAX AND HEMP CORDAGE (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, July 31. A notice under the Supply Control Emergency Regulations calling for returns of stocks and goods on order by all persons who in the normal, course of business store and sell cordage, twines, or threads which are manufactured from linen flax or hemp was signed to-day by the Minister for Supply (fhe Hon. D. G. Sullivan). The notice also provides that no sales of these materials may be made until the prospective purchaser has declared on an application form which will be provided by the seller the exact purpose for which he requires the materials. “This action,” said Mr Sullivan this evening, “has been taken to enable us to co-operate fully with the supply authorities in the United . Kingdom, where very strict control has been instituted to conserve stocks of linen flax and hemp. Linen and hemp goods are essential for a large number of wartime purposes. Supplies from the Continent to Britain have virtually ceased. The jute adviser to the Ministry of Supply in London is formulating a scheme for the substitution of other materials in New Zealand. The supply controllers concerned are already experimenting with a view to introducing cordage, twines, and threads made from materials other than linen flax or hemp. “I would like to emphasise that the notice issued .to-day applies only to cordage, twine, and thread manufactured wholly or in part from linen flax or hemp. It does not interfere in any way with cordage, twines, or threads manufactured from cotton, jute, sisal, manila, or New Zealand flax. The notice does not apply to manufacturers holding stocks of the controlled materials for their own manufacture providing they have not in the past, in the normal, course of business, sold these materials to other persons. “As soon as a survey is completed a decision will be made as to the degree of control necessary in the immediate future. There may be some personal inconvenience during the next few days, but with the co-operation of all concerned I am satisfied that the whole matter can be put on an efficient and speedily-controlled basis.”