CLOTHING FOR CIVILIANS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24074, 9 October 1943, Page 5

CLOTHING FOR CIVILIANS

IMPROVED SUPPLY PROPOSED | MANUFACTURERS’ PLAN FOR IM4 A comprehensive, scheme toimprov* the supply of civilian clothing in has been drawn up by the national council of New Zealand garment facturers* federations and submitted to the Government. Provision is also for the requirements of the armed foi-des This scheme is based on tne SSS of a survey of garment produc. tion in New Zealand made by tne manufacturers at t he request of the Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. SU ln h a an statement issued by the New Zealand Manufacturers’ federation, Mr I Matheson, chairman of the manufacturers’ council, says that tne whole plan is directed at fulfillingi only what are regarded as the needs of the public and the armed forces for next year. The building up of reasonable reserve stocks is a problem of considerable importance stm to bo fscod. , Mr Matheson says that essential work already in hand precludes the possibility of any immediate marked change in civilian clothing manufacture. Given the labour and certain materials, however, there is every prospect of civilian needs based largely on the clothmg ration estimates being met to a greater extent in the New Year. There is more than sufficient plant to carry out the programme outlined for 1944. Also there will be sufficient material available. with pertain rather serious exceptions which are being investigated immediately, to make the problem of less concern than that of manpower. Manpower is the real problem of the garment manufacturing industry, according to Mr Matheson. If 1750 employees, including 150 males, are not available immediately, the civilian supply position will deteriorate. The ■ figure of 1750 takes no account of the . number always drawn off from industry by normal outflow. , Mr Matheson adds in his statement that the scheme proposes the better use of operatives, the improvement of individual outputs, and the elimination of inducements to engage in non-essen-tial and luxury line production. A review of the civil occupations • of au women in the armed forces is suggested , to qnable a recall of at least all those who have bad experience in garment production.' Cessation of recruiting for the woman's branches of the services is also advocated. Another proposal is co-operation between the National Ser- i Vice Department, the trade unions and manufacturers to regain girls WhOpasl out of garment factories and apparently . cease to be controlled by manpower officers. "