CLOTHES IN N.Z. “COLOURLESS”

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26987, 12 March 1953, Page 3

CLOTHES IN N.Z. “COLOURLESS”

ENGLISH MERCHANT’S COMMENT IMPORT RESTRICTIONS BLAMED (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, March. 11. 'The owner of departmental stores in the south of England, Mr F. Riceman, said in Wellington today that he was absolutely astonished at the lack of range, variety, and colour and the complete absence of style jn both women’s and men’s clothing in New Zealand. Mr Riceman is on a world tour to inspect retailing methods. “We believe in London, as they do in the United States and Canada, that well-dressed men and women are an important factor in the morale of a country,” said Mr Riceman, “but my impression of clothing in New Zealand is that it is entirely colourless.” Mr Riceman said that the fault did not lie with the wearer. The cause was the rigid restrictions on imports and thus on competition from overseas fashion centres.

“In my investigations in New Zealand I have found that large departmental stores are unable to supply more than 10 per cent, of the public’s demand for particular wearing requirements,” he said.

One thing that had really astounded him, said Mr Riceman, had been the difficulty in obtaining fashion patterns dressmaking in Wellington. Childrens footwear appeared to be poorly catered for in New Zealand said Mr Riceman.

Research in Britain has concentrated for years on finding the best and most suitable fittings for children, he said. “We have tried for some years to educate the public into this most important requirement of the growing child. Our research has been made by manufacturers, aided by the eppropriate Government departments —there is no purchase tax on 4 children’s shoes. Consequently all stores in Britain have a large and comprehensive range of this article. ♦? t 4 St 2F es in Wellington have told me that they are not getting a tenth of their requirements in this field. get enou S h only for Sa 2 eS a year - 1 have had a took myself and none of them has a proper selection of children’s shoes to offer ”