TOBACCO STOCKS FOR N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25253, 4 August 1947, Page 3

TOBACCO STOCKS FOR N.Z.

SHORTAGE OF FEMALE LABOUR

“Although output has been maintained at a level comparable with that of the war years, it has not been possible, almost entirely because of the shortage of female labour, to increase the output of the industry to cope with the increased demands for tobacco products.” reports the Department of Industries and Commerce. “When it was realised that there was little prospect of the local units overtaking the shortage. arrangements were made with the Customs Department to issue import licences for the deficiency between local output and market requirements, which was estimated at approximately 35 per cent, of the local output. “While the substantial quantities of overseas brands that have been imported during the year have assisted in alleviating the shortage, it has been evident that the locally-manufactured

tobacco products have been competitive in price and generally more popular with the consuming public. It is anticipated that, with the decentralisation plans of the two major tobaccomanufacturers. the local output should slowly but steadily improve during the mming year.”