AUSSIES’ BEST CLOTH

Grey River Argus, 18 February 1944, Page 6

AUSSIES’ BEST CLOTH

For N.Z. Men’s Suits “AUSTERITY” STILL FOR THEIR OWN. (Rec. 11.10) CANBERRA, Feb. 17. The Minister for War Organisation, Hon. Mr. Dedman, to-day announced that the Australian Government has agreed to supply New Zealand with half a million yards of textile material. Some .of it is double weft cloth. The production of double weft cloth for Australian civilians, however, has been prohibited, but the supply will be arranged as soon as the manpower position allows. Double weft cloth is woven with a double twist in the thread. The Australian standard weave cloth, now being manufactured, contains only a single twist in 'the thread. Australia will not abolish its standard “austerity” suit, said Mr. Dedman. He said that, under the present conditions, it was not practicable to provide the labour and other resources required to abolish the limitations on men’s suits. Mr. Dedman denied, however, that there is discrimination in favour of New Zealand. He declared that a New Zealand order for the doubleweft cloth has been accepted as a return for essential goods being received from New Zealand.