WOOLLEN GOODS

Grey River Argus, 6 April 1943, Page 3

WOOLLEN GOODS

Morejor N.Z. Civilians ARMY NEEDS REDUCED P.A. CHRISTCHURCH, April 5. Advice given to clothing manufacturers relating to future production of battle dress and service great coats was discussed to-day by Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Supply and Munitions. “Redistribution of manpower has necessitated a recasting of the requirements of worsted and woollen battle dress and great coats,” said Mr Sullivan. “As a consequence it has been found possible to ease the considerable burden placed upon clothing factories in the manufacture of this type of clothing. At the beginning of 1942 all factories were asked to increase their production to meet quickly expanded needs of the Army, including the Home Guard. The response to this call was made most willingly, but - only at a considerable cost of effort, and at some sacrifice of the needs of the civilian population. To meet the new position, the Factory Controller will, as from April 3, effect gradual reductions to a point where production falls into line with amended, forecasted requirements, and in this process woollen battle dress, as distinct from worsted, will cease to be made. Reduction will also be effected in the quantities of woollen cloth from which these garments are made, and the equivalent production in the woollen mills is to be diverted to the making of muchneeded blankets and other essential civil weaves.”