SHORTAGE OF CLOTH

Grey River Argus, 26 March 1943, Page 6

SHORTAGE OF CLOTH

MEN’S WEAR AFFECTED

COMMENT ON AUSTERITY DRESS.

WELLINGTON, March 25. ■ Strong comments were made in a statement to-day by the New Zealand Manufacters’ Federation on the position which has arisen in regard to the adoption of austerity clothing particularly in the men’s outer clothing field. “It is difficult to understand why the Government has not made a statement to support its austerity regulations or why it hesitates to enforce these regulations. The Government knows that New Zealand faces a, shortage amounting to over a million yards of 36in. worsted and woollen cloth for the current year, and that the greater proportion of this shortage will! probably be in material for mens’ wear. The position is that we will have less than four million yards of cloth to -do a job requiring over five million. This does not take into account the requirements for soldiers who may return this year. “The tailoring trade makes about five per cent, of the suits worn and the manufacturing trade 95 per cent. There cannot be different rules for each section of the trade, but in fairness it should be stated that the more responsible tailors recognise the necessity of th e regulations, and are willing to support them. The trade knows that the enforcement of the regulations will save material to make many thousands of extra suits. New . Zealand depends on the United Kingdom for a large proportion of the materials required. In' the circumstances, it does not seem reasonable that the demand should persist here for the retention of details not permitted in Great Britain. A Supply Mission from New is now in Great Britain seeking larger supplies of textiles for Nev/ ... Zealand, and it is felt that the least New Zealand could do is to endeavour to effect every, saving possible.” , The statement draws a distinction between Australia and New Zealand, Australian troops fighting in a. climate not requiring the use of the heavy woollen uniforms New Zealand makes for her troops, and concludes that the Federation considers that since the full facts of the castare known,to the Government the position should be clearly stated lP r the information of the public and the austerity regulations enforced.