CLOTHING POSITION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 7 August 1945, Page 4

CLOTHING POSITION

PRODUCTION INCREASE MEN’S WEAR OUTPUT UP Wellington, This Day. The increased output of civilian clothing which was shown in the last survey of production is being maintained according to a statement issued b.v the National Garment Control Council which met in Wellington recently. The Council has made strenuous efforts to utilise the capacity of the industry to the beat advantage in meeting the Dominion's clothing needs and the production figures compiled for the period of January to June 1945 show that this effort together with the fact that, the men’s clothing factories are now aole to twitch to some considerable degree from Armed Forces contracts to civilian production. is further improving the position of clothing supplies. FIRST PRIORITY During the period of six months ending on June 30th, 1945, the total production of clothing exceeded the production for the corresponding period of January to June lust year by 400,000 garments of ail types. The chief increase was in items of men’s wear which have received first priority in the clothing industry. In this section the increase in production accounted for 238.000 out of the additional 400,000 garments already mentioned. The increase in production extends to other classes of clothing, the production of infant boys’ and infant girls' garments being increased by 30,000 and 65,000 respectively, and the output of girls’ clothing being increased by approximately 100.000 garments. Items of boys' and women's clothing have shown slight decreases as compared with the production of last year. EX-SERVICEMEN’S REQUIREMENTS The expected return of large numbers of servicemen between now and the end of the year will create a heavy demand for men's clothing and the clothing industry with other sections concerned with the supply of material* and distribution, still have as their primary concern and obligation, the clothing of these men. The men's 3 piece suit problem is definitely the • most difficult item at present on the clothing schedule, and whilst every effort is being made to improve as rap idly as possible the production of men's 3 piece suits, it is obvious that a shortage continues in this item. It is felt, however, that by the continued efforts of the industry and in view of the possibility of being able to obtain a limited quantity of suits by importation from overseas, this position wiJi improve in the near future. The present indications are that the supply of the necessary raw materials from Great Britain will be difficult during the next 12 months due to the heavy calls on the English manufacturers to clothe the peoples of the liberated countries and New Zealand cannot look for any immediate increase in the amount of its allocation. The industry is concerned about the prospects of deliveries coming forward but has already had discussions with the Factory Controller and the Commissioner of Supply to explore every possible avenue of obtaining improved supplies of raw materials so that the capacity of the industry may be developed to in a full. RESULTS OF DRIVE

The drive during the past six months for increased production of suits has resulted in over 61,000 suits being made between January and June of this year, an increase of almost 18.000 wljen compared with production for the same period of last year. Production of men’s shirts, coats, sports coats and sports trousers also show large increases. It is generally agreed that in comparison with people in other parts of the world, New Zealanders are exceptionally well clothed the statement concludes, and are now in the fortunate position of being able to supply large quantities of clothing for the relief of those in less favourable circumstances, without causing serious inconvenience or shortages to themselves.