SAD TALE OF A SHIRT SHORTAGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22439, 20 September 1947, Page 4

SAD TALE OF A SHIRT SHORTAGE

JjIFE is becoming harder than ever for menfolk, especially for the large proportion of them whose taste in shirtings runs to something bluish. And, according to an article published last night, the he-man who needs a size five for conventional wear in business hours is right up against it. A shirt to lit him and to meet with the approval of himself and his admiring family in the matter of colour scheme is not to be had. Now that spring is here and summer is around the corner, he may have visions of being able to make do with a light singlet while working in the garden, and lie will most likely he able to clothe himself suitably for seasonal sporting activities. It seems, however, that not even the ingenuity the Junior Chamber of Commerce is bringing to bear upon its dress reform drive for office comfort will help him out of his dilemma at an early date. For, if we recollect aright, a shirt was included in the chamber’s proposed ensemble. The solution of this sartorial problem would seem to lie largely in the hands—and heart—of the Garment Control Council, or whatever authoritative body decrees when the manufacturers en masse will switch to the production of this and that. In the present circumstances he is a lucky man who can have all his clothing requirements met at the present time. It was recently reported that many people, both in and out of the clothing trade, have doubts as to whether such a man exists. Shortage of labour is given as one of the main reasons for the lack of supplies; an insufficiency of material is also mentioned as affecting the position. Nevertheless it is high time an investigation was made into the possibility of improving the situation by cutting out the manufacture of small luxury lines of the fancy goods variety and concentrating all the available labour and material on essentials. It has been stated that the margin of profit lias a bearing on the matter; the claim is made that the manufacturing of certain articles, more particularly children’s wear, is not a worthwhile proposition. The obvious answer to this is that New Zealand will become a poor country in which to live if the drift is towards profit-making rather than catering for the public, particularly breadwinners and their offspring. In the circumstances the Government may think it is adopting the right course in submitting its new Control of Prices Bill. But would this measure be necessary if we all returned to a longer working week and the manufacturers were freed from the burden entailed in the payment of overtime and given a chance to make a reasonable profit from the production of everyday articles?