CLOTHING TRADE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 7 August 1941, Page 7

CLOTHING TRADE

BRITAIN'S EXPORT CUTS DIFFICULTIES FOR DOMINION Manufacturers throughout New Zea- ' land are endeavouring to secure some ! modification of the restrictions imposed by Britain on the export of piece-goods land yarns so as to enable larger stocks to reach the Dominion. While there is a possibility of some assistance being I given, the position generally is still vague (says the "New Zealand Herj a Id" ). Many matters concerning the clothj ing trade in New Zealand were discussed at a recent meeting of represen- ' tatives of the trade held in Wellington, j Endeavours were made to persuade the Government to allow alternative sources lof supply. It was pointed out that the ■quotas imposed by Britain might cause .unemployment in the Dominion if relief i was not forthcoming. Britain banned the shipment ot j woollen and worsted yarns to New Zea land in May. and a quota was imposed on exports of cotton piece-goods, reducing shipments to one-third of 194 C supplies. These quotas were fixed for ja period of four months, the first ot j which expires at the end of August. It has been pointed out that the total bar jon exports of yarns to New Zealand I was imposed by Britain under the impression that Australia would be able to meet the demand, but shortly afterward the Commonwealth also intro* jduced a complete prohibition. ! Some relief has been given by I Britain lifting the embargo on goods [ordered prior to the ban and lost in shipment, enabling these goods to be replaced. British firms also are being [allowed to complete New Zealand orders which were in hand when the embargo was introduced. Manufacturers contend that until j some decision is reached every effort j should be made to expand the output of [yarn from local spinning mills. Greater ; use should be made of existing plant and workers might be transferred from | less essential industries, j Fair stocks of some classes of soft [goods are held by retail stores, but wholesale houses have been unable tc obtain fresh supplies since shortly after the outbreak of war.