Relax Restrictions In Austerity Suits

Northern Advocate, 22 April 1944, Page 3

Relax Restrictions In Austerity Suits

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Friday. Amendments to the austerity suit specifications and to the specification affecting die manufacture of certain other clothing have been gazetted. The amendments permit double-breasted coats where nc waistcoat is provided, flaps on pockets, trousers with full cuffs, pleats and a bottom width not exceeding 22 inches. Th» restrictions on women’s knitted outerwear have been removed, while other modifications of a minor nature have also been made.

The Minister for Supply (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) said this afternoon that while he did net wish to convey the impression that there was no longer need to exercise strict economy in the use of available materials, the position had somewhat changed, in that, the shortage of manpower was now the most pressing problem. As indicated when the simplification measures had been introduced, opportunity was being taken as the circumstances changed to review the specifications and it had now been found possible to remove some of the restrictions, added Mr. Sullivan.

“Manufacturers welcome the position that has enabled the Minister to modify the simplified clothing regulations," said the president of the New Zealand Manufacturers' Association (Mr. Tan Ma(heson). “In spite of contentions to the contrary, the regulations had, in their ramifications over the whole trade, effected a definite saving in cloth and this economy was of value to the national effort. Doubtless the Minister’s announcement will be received with pleasure by consumers, and it is our job outside war production to meet the wishes of the consuming public. As certain aspects of the relaxation facilitate labour saving, the present announcement will be particularly welcome to manufacturers at a time when the labour shortage has become so much more acute.”

Sunk.—The Swiss radio states that Allied planes yesterday sank a Spanish merchant ship off the French coast.