N.Z.-MADE BATHING COSTUMES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 8 January 1944, Page 2

N.Z.-MADE BATHING COSTUMES

NO LONGER PROCURABLE Well'ngton, This Day. Wellington people, like others throughout the Dominion, who have been attracted to the beaches by exceptionally fine weather and have found that their last year’s bathing costumes are no longer wearable, have scant opportunity of buying new ones. Costumes are no longer procurable, their manufacture having ceased following the Government action 12 months ago of declaring this line non-essential. In some centres the influx of servicemen with their corresponding demands, has seriously depleted retailers’ stocks. The shortage applies to all types of costumes, adults’ and children’s fabric, woollen and cotton. Cotton costumes have been largely displaced by woollen in recent years, and few retailers have been able to establish stocks. Women have shown a preference for fabric costumes, which aro manufactured from plain, coloured and printed silk and lastex yarn imported from overseas. Last season there appeared to be no indication that a shortage was pending, but with the disposal of existing stocks retailers have been unable to replenish their supplies. One Taranaki store, in an endeavour to meet the demand for men’s costumes, has procured old-style full-piece suits and cut them down to modern styles. In some cases cycling shorts were sold as substitutes.

Commenting on the Government’s decision to declare swimming costumes non-essential, retailers generally say that the action appeared to be shortsighted in v ; ew of the need, in the interests of health, to encourage people to indulge in outdoor sports like swimming and water-polo.