SCHOOL UNIFORM PROBLEMS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25227, 4 July 1947, Page 8

SCHOOL UNIFORM PROBLEMS

EFFECT OF CLOTHING SHORTAGE

“The position now is worse than it has ever been in the history of our firm. Supplies are so chaotic that it is difficult to name any item of apparel which is not hard to secure.” These statements by the heads of two of the oldest retail firms in Christchurch were made yesterday when inquiries were made about stocks of clothing for school uniforms. The New Zealand Secondary School Boards’ Association recently invited its members to report on the situation with a view to making representations for relief. It was learned yesterday that retailers are making a complete stocktaking for returns to a Dominion conference in Wellington next week, when remedies will be sought.

It was stated yesterday that shortages of labour, materials, and machinery were restricting production. Stockings for boys to wear with shorts are in shortest supply. One schoolmaster said that few pairs of the regulation uniform hose were available, and the boys were allowed to wear plain colours, if they could be obtained. In another college it was reported that tops with the school colours were being removed from old stockings and sewn to plain stockings. Although it was reported that almost the normal quotas of college

grey material had been manufactured, grey suits and shorts were very difficult to buy, said a master. At his college an appeal had been made to former pupils, and they were supplying sufficient used clothing in excellent condition to fit out the boys. Without taking this emergency course, it would have been impossible to meet the position. A limited quantity of navy blue shorts was available.

Boys’ shirts in grey or navy blue flannel were very scarce, and serge materials were almost out of stock, a retailer, said. He had not sufficient apparel to make a window display of school clothing.

Girls’ schools are similarly affected. Material for tunics is only occasionally available, and steps have had to be taken to obtain uniforms from older sisters and former pupils For a long time full-length black woollen hose has been hard to secure, and girls have been permitted to wear ankle-length white socks. Although seeking to preserve their

uniforms, all schools are making allowances for the clothing shortage. The position had definitely deteriorated since the beginning of the school year.