Safety Matches Will Be Scarce

Northern Advocate, 30 January 1939, Page 9

Safety Matches Will Be Scarce

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] WELLING TON, This Day.

‘•Although I don't •hink there is a shortage of safety matches in .he retail shops at the present time, it is quite obvious that there will be a shortage very soon if the present airangomonts continue,” said a member of a city importing firm yesterday.

“Our application to Import safety matches was at first turned down; there was a total prohibition,” said the member of the firm, “Wo appealed, and since then the position has been eased to the extent that we are now entitled to import for the first half of this year up to 50 per cent, of the quantity of British safety matches we imported during the corresponding' period last year. “One of the grounds of the appeal was that the one New Zealand factory, which is in Wellington, making safety matches, could not possibly supply more than a quarter of, the normal requirements of the country. In view of that fact, it was absurd that there should be a total prohibition against' the importation of these matches. Even though permission has now been given to import up to 50 per .cent., there will still be a shortage.”

The death has occurred 'of Mr Joseph Gillott, composer of the song, “Sons of the Southern Seas.” He was 88 years old.

The British Navy is aiding Chilean earthquake refugees. The cruiser Ajax is en route to Valparaiso from Talcahuano with ,750 refugees. The cruiser Exeter is returning to Talcahuano with 200 Chilean soldiers and a large stock of medic'al supplies.