Shortage of Watches in Dominion

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 59, 11 March 1943, Page 4

Shortage of Watches in Dominion

MB. HODGEN’S WANTS PREFERENCE FOR SERVICES. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Mar. 10. The shortage of watches and other timepieces in the Dominion was mentioned by Mr. J. Ilodgens (Palmerston North) in an urgent question to the Minister of Supply in the House tonight. He drew attention to the difficulty being experienced by soldiers in securiug watches and aslccd if thp Minister in making allocations of watches would give preference to tho needs of servicemen and servicewomen. lion. D. G. Sullivan, replying, said he was aware that the supply of watches coming into the country was very small due entirely to restrictions in overseas countries and therefore beyond Ncav Zealand's control. Some supplies were, however, still coming into the country and arrangements have been made with tho Customs for tho Ministry of Supply to bo advised of tlie arrival of any watches in the Dominion and he would examine the position with a view to seeing how many could bo conserved for tho use of members of tho Armed Services. With regard to the high charges being made in some cases for watches the Minister said he had been advised by the Price Tribunal that tho highest prices approved by it recently for watches rang-1 from £6 to £9, and these applied only to good watches. The Tribunal was investigating some instances of excessive charges.