SIMPLER CLOTHES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 187, 10 August 1942, Page 4

SIMPLER CLOTHES

DOMINION PLAN

PROGRESS ALREADY MADE

(P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day.

"Simplification of clothing is being undertaken in New* Zealand and progress has already been made," said the Minister of Supply, Mr. Sullivan, when referring to advice received from other Empire countries and the United States concerning similar action taken there.

"The purpose of this simplification is to conserve manpower and materials so that the maximum quantity of goods will be produced within the limitations of available supplies of raw material and labour. It is too early to indicate the exact form that simplification will take, but care is being exercised to avoid calling on persons to m ke sacrifices which will not yield a corresponding benefit to the community as a whole.

"Full recognition is being given to the necessity for simplification, but it is considered that nothing so drastic as is implied by the term austerity clothing, will be necessary, at least at this stage," added the Minister. "From an examination of the position it appears that maximum savings can be effected by simplification along lines which will not unduly interfere with the enterprise of the manufacturer in individual design, style and finish, nor the taste of the user when these factors do not make excessive demands on materials and labour. Nevertheless, if a saving of 10 or 20 per cent of available supplies can be made, and the quantity of garments available proportionately increased, both manufacturers and consumers will benefit correspondingly. This is the principle along which simplification of clothing is being developed."