CLOTHING TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22878, 5 November 1937, Page 12

CLOTHING TRADE

DECLINE IN ORDERS

STAFFS BEING REDUCED

HIGHER COSTS AND IMPORTS

Now that the clothing trade generally is overtaking Christmas orders a diminution of activity is becoming apparent because fresh orders for delivery in the new year are not coming to hand in the usual volume. In addition to instances recently given, one clothing firm has been steadily putting off hands in the past month or so, the total of dismissed employees reaching .'36 this week. Inquiries go to show that few concerns have shortened staffs by dismissing a largo number of hands at one time. It has been rather a process of attrition. At the same time, certain branches of the clothing trade are definitely busy, it being the intention of one firm to engage nine extra girls next week. Such instances, however, are governed by special circumstances which do not affect the, general story of a falling off of orders because higher production costs make it difficult or impossible to competo with the flood of imported clothing. Hesentment in the trade against cheap overseas importations appeared to be generally directed at Australian clothing, rather than that of British. Several manufacturers said they hoped to hold their staffs together until Christmas; after that there would be substantial dismissals, judged on orders now in hand.