SILK STOCKINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24103, 23 October 1941, Page 8

SILK STOCKINGS

NEW IMPORT PLAN SUPPLY IN NEW YEAR "MERE DROP IN BUCKET" Provided nothing unforeseen happens, a measure of relief from the present .silk stocking shortage is expected early in the new year, following the decision of the Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. Nash, to grant hosiery licences on the basis of 100 per cent of 1938 imports from the United Kingdom. However, members of the trade had expected a more liberal allowance. One member of the trade pointed out that large stocks were held in the Dominion by both wholesalers and retailers in 1988, but these had been exhausted long ago. In addition, thousands of dozens of pairs of stockings were imported from Canada and Japan at that time, but both these sources were cut off when import control was introduced.

Advance in Prices "Hosiery prices have advanced considerably, a fact which the Minister's advisers must have overlooked in worknig out the present basis," said another trader. "It means that we will get approximately one month's normal supply, because, with the exception of woollen makes, the bulk of our hosiery came from Canada. Many trading concerns in the Dominion are similarly situated."

Imports of stockings from all sources in totalled over 200,000 dozen pairs, but of this only about 43,000 dozen pairs came Iron) Great Britain. The .Minister stated that applications for quantities in excess of 1938 imports from the United Kingdom, accompanied by evidence of the availability of supplies, would be considered. However. unless this statement is given a liberal interpretation, importers consider the quantity represents a mere drop in the bucket. Options Already Expired Many options for British stockings expired over a week ago, and it is doubtful if the quantities offered then will now be available. All business men interviewed expressed keen disappointment at the delay that had taken place since the authorities were first informed of the position months ago. They hoped that the extra applications which undoubtedly would be made would be handled expeditiously.

One class of the community which will benefit to a certain extent from the Minister's decision will be country firms, which have been refused supplies from New Zealand hosiery factories because they did not draw stocks from them before the import restrictions were enforced.