STOCKING SHORTAGE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 106, 31 October 1941, Page 4

STOCKING SHORTAGE

NURSING OF SUPPLIES

ALLEGED DILLY-DAbLYING

(P.M

AtrCKtAND, 'October 30,

"If the stocking shortage is not relieved in the next three months there is only one person to blame, and that is the Minister of Customs, Mr. Nash," said one large importer of silk stockings in Auckland, in commenting on the report from Wellington that, due to the delay in the issuing of licences, the market for stockings in England was bare. Wholesalers and retailers generally were greatly perturbed at the report.

"Mr. Nash is thoroughly familiar with the local position, and has had in his possession 'for' "many"weeks past all :thernrforn%atiq;rT 7 regarding stocks in England and when deliveries could be made," added the importer. "Why he has dilly-dallied over the matter is something that no one can understand. In the House of Representatives £ few weeks ago* he most skilfully evaded many of the questions asked by traders, but this time why does he not come out into the open and say just why he has allowed this state of affairs to come about? He will have to answer that question to the women of New Zealand in three months' time. Why "not do it now? If the reason is a good valid one they can take it and he need not worry any more."

"It is the same old story over again," said another business man. "The trade is never consulted, and it is only when the matter becomes really acute and the position is forced that any move is made."