KNITTING WOOLS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 5, 17 October 1941, Page 3

KNITTING WOOLS

REASON FOR THE SHORTAGE. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October IG, Factors causing the shortage of woollen goods and knitting wools are discussed in a letter received bv the New Zealand Farmers’ Union from the Minister for Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan). At its last Dominion executive meeting the union adopted a remit in which it expressed concern at the shortage and high price of woollen goods, compared with the price paid to the woolgrower, and urged a comprehensive inquiry into the whole position. The union also stated that it was of opinion that some system of rationing of knitted wool was necessary so that country users would be given a fairer opportunity to acquire sufficient wool. The Minister’s communication was in reply to these representations. The Minister stated that the price of woollen goods came within the purview of the Price Tribunal. He knew that investigations and inquiries were made from time to time, and that the tribunal was in close touch with the position. The shortage of such goods was brought about by three fnctors: First, the quantities heretofore made available for export by the United Kingdom Government had been reduced; second, the quantities previously obtained from Australia had ■ been/ almost completely suspended; third, domestic mills in New Zealand were heavily committed to the manufacture of the urgent, requirements of cloth and clothing for the New Zealand armed forces, as well as supplying equipment to the eastern group supply council for the use of Allied troops. The union would agree that all these cases were brought .about by the imperative necessity for this Dominion, in line with other Dominions, to do its utmost for the successful prosecutiop of the war. The Minister said the reasons he had already given were also applicable to supplies of knitting wool. There seemed little hope of getting supplies from Australia, but the position with England was a little more hopeful. Advice had been received that a small quantity of knitting wool had been released for export to New Zealand, by the Board of Trade. The question of further releases was being considered. Domestic mills were still producing considerable quantities of knitting wool over and above their production for direct military purposes. Much of this, however, was in turn being knitted into comforts by patriotic societies and private people for dispatch to overseas troops. For many months the Government bad been giving attention to augmenting the spinning plants of domestic mills. A considerable enlargement had been made at three of the major mills. Two others were under consideration. Unfortunately, in two cases part, of the plant on its way to New Zealand was lost by enemy action. Beshipment had been expected, and it was hoped, would be successful. For these reasons domestic supply should show a considerable increase as from the new year onward; but it was impossible to sav at this stage just how much of the increase would be absorbed by augmenting demands from the armed services.