INADEQUATE SUPPLY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 117, 12 February 1944, Page 8

INADEQUATE SUPPLY

Deluge Of Applications For

Gumboots

RELEASE ONLY FOR URGENT PURPOSES

The acute situation in regard to the supply of gumboots was emphasized in a statement last evening by the Minister of Supply, Mr. Sullivan. He said that since his recent statement that gumboots, fai’ fewer in number than the Damihiou’s requirements, were being released for .certain essential users, the approving officers under the scheme of control were being deluged will) applications. While it had been anticipated that this would occur, and that" considerable administrative difficulties would have to be overcome in the determination of individual eligibility, it had not been foreseen that there would be an .utter disregard of the previously emphasized fact that, as there were not nearly enough gumboots to go round, the only course was to release what there were to those whose need was most urgent. “That the acuteness of the gumbool supply position may be clearly realized,” said the Minister, “it should be understood that we are receiving less than 25 per cent, of the aggregate supply we requisitioned for from overseas for essential purposes. The present supply is being augmented by our domestic production, which, given time and a steady supply from overseas of certain manufacturing materials, will be a most valuable source of future distribution. 1 regret that notwithstanding constant and persistent attempts to improve our supply from overseas we have had such disappointing results that our immediate prospects are not very hopeful. “In the meantime the bulk of the supply available is being released to the dairy-farming commun/ity, the balance being distributed to other types of farmers and to certain industrial and other workers whose every-day work or special circumstances entitle them to this priority. The supply is so meagre compared with the number of applications already received from members of these groups, that many people must await their individual releases patiently till additional stocks come forward. Meanwhile applicants who receive no notification that their applications have been declined may assume that gumboots will be released to them when this becomes possible.”