FOREIGN FOOTBALL JERSEYS.

Evening Star, Issue 21079, 16 April 1932, Page 9

FOREIGN FOOTBALL JERSEYS.

TO THS EDITOR. Sir, —Correspondence has appeared recently in the local Press regarding the use of cotton football jerseys of foreign make. We have just received advice from Wellington that full inquiries there definitely establish the fact that thousands _of these foreignmade jerseys are being imported into the dominion. It may not be generally known that wo have in New Zealand factories employing hundreds of hands which are in a position to produce, and are producing, cotton jerseys of good quality. The New Zealand-made article is made from guaranteed two-ply yarn imported from England, with absolutely guaranteed dye, whilst the foreign article is made from one-ply yarn. The New Zealand product is clearly labelled as such, but we have every reason to believe that the foreign jerseys are not branded in any way to show the country of origin. It is an unfortunate fact that at the present time large numbers of junior and senior football players are out of employment, whilst hundreds of senior schoolboys are being kept at school because there are no openings for them in business or industrial life. Under these circumstances, does it not seem ridiculous that New Zealanders playing Now Zealand’s national game should do so clothed in foreign jerseys? We do them the justice of saying they are probably unaware of the fact, since it does not occur to the majority to look for a label showing the country of ori-, gin when making their purchases. If thought is given to the matter we feel sure any good sporting player would buy the' New Zealand-made jersey, or at least one of British or Empire make. By so doing he will be “ playing the game ” to factory operatives who are out of work, and directly and indirectly will help to create employment for some of his fellow-players. We can give an assurance that the factories in New Zealand making these jerseys are capable of supplying the whole demand for the country.—We are, etc., J. G." Jeffery, President, G. W. Reid; Secretary, Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association. April 16.