PYJAMA MYSTERY

Evening Star, Issue 24003, 30 September 1941, Page 6

PYJAMA MYSTERY

PECULIAR GOVERNMENT INTEREST STANDARDISED TYPE LOOMIHG? A rather strange circular letter has been distributed among Dominion clothing manufacturers during the last 10 days, and the underlying purpose of the request contained therein has the recipients very much puzzled. The letter, originating from the Department of Industries and Commerce, asked for a wealth of detail concerning the manufacture of pyjamas for male wear. The particulars required included the yardage used, details of materials, the most common sizes, and average costs. Local manufacturers, who have mostly replied to the request, are quite at a loss to know why this information should be sought. There is a shortage of men’s pyjamas at the pi’csent tiTne, and material, to make up the garments at popular prices is also very hard to obtain, but it is not known if that has any Rearing on the question. Northern manufacturers have been expressing concern that the Government intends to carry its policy of regimentation to extreme limits by ordering the manufacture of a standard type of pyjamas at a standard rate, thereby eliminating _ all fancy styles, designs, and materials. That is only supposition, and savours of bringing ‘Government interference down to levels that appear almost ridiculous. Locally, beyond stating that it seems very strange that one particular article of this nature should be sorted out for attention, manufacturers are not inclined to comment, although it was admitted that the circular had drawn some resentment. It is felt that the question has some connection with the war effort, though what is hard to determine, for military ranks are not provided with pyjamas or other sleeping attire. Questioned as to any possibilities of there being truth in the northern suggestions that pyjama manufacturing was to be standardised, one of the leading local men replied: “Some people are only too ready to say anything against the Government. We simply haven’t any idea why the letter has been sent out. We have supplied the department with the information it requires. and until w r e hear further we cannot say wdiat is in the wind.”