HACKSAW BLADES IN FROCK

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26832, 10 September 1952, Page 11

HACKSAW BLADES IN FROCK

Use As Stiffeners For Bodice “SHODDY MATERIALS” IN N.Z. GARMENTS (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. September 9. Two brand new hacksaw blades, which had been snapped in half, and which were found in an expensive strapless evening gown, were produced to-day by Mr J. A. Higgs, president of the Dyers’, Dry Cleaners’ and Laundrymen’s Federation, as evidence of the shoddy materials some New Zealand manufacturers were putting into their garments. Mr Higgs was addressing the fifth annual convention of the Research Institute of Launderers. Dry Cleaners, and Dyers of New Zealand, which met at the Cornwall Hospital, Auckland, to-day. The blades, which had not been cut properly, and which were covered by a thin strip of cloth, were used instead of whalebone stiffeners in the bodice of the frock. The sharp teeth on the blades had not been filed off.. The dress had been made of good quality fabric. Mr Higgs said there would have been a grave danger if the girl had been involved in an accident when wearing the dress. The blades might have penetrated her body. Mr Higgs outlined some of the Problems with which dry cleaners were at times faced. On the table in front of him Mr Higgs had cardigans, frocks, wedding dresses, men’s sports trousers, rubber shoulder pads, and plastic belts and buckles. All these items had been sent to dry cleaners, but because of the plastics and synthetics used in their production, had been soiled in dry cleaning. However, said Mr Higgs, 99.9 per cent, of clothing could be dry cleaned. 1 There was nothing wrong with the style and make of the rejected garments, but because of the plastics, buttons. and other decorations used, the articles could not be dry cleaned properly. Dry cleaners had urged manufacturers to consult them on the use of plastics and similar materials before using them in garments.