AUSTERITY SUITS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24542, 26 March 1943, Page 4

AUSTERITY SUITS

NEED FOE REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT URGED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Thursday < Strong comments were made in a statement to-day by the New Zealand Manufacturers' Federation on the position which lias arisen in regard to the < adoption of "austerity" clothing, particularly in the men's outer clothing field. The federation said it was difficult to understand why the Government had not made a statement in support of its "austerity" clothing regulations, or why it hesitated to enforce those regulations. The Government knew that New Zealand was facing a shortage ; amounting to over 1,000,000 yards of 50in. worsted and woollen cloth for the current year, and that the greater proportion of this shortage would probably j be in material for men's wear. Shortage of Material "The position is that we will have ! less than 4,000,000 yards of cloth to do !a job requiring over 5,000,000 yards," ! said the federation. "This does not I take into account requirements for soldiers who may return this year. "The tailoring trade makes about 5 per cent of suits worn, and the manufacturing trade 95 per cent. There cannot be different rules for the two sections of the trade, but in fairness it should bo stated that the more responsible tailors recognise the necessity for the regulations and are willing to support them. The trade knows that the enforcement of the regulations will save the material to make many thousands of extra suits. Imports From Britain "New Zealand depends on the United Kingdom for a large portion of the raw materials required. In the circumstances it does not seem reasonable that a demand should persist here for the retention of details not permitted in Great Britain. A supply mission from New Zealand is now in Great Britain seeking larger supplies of textiles for New Zealand, and it is felt that the least New Zealand can do is to endeavour to effect every saving possible.'' The statement draws a distinction between Australia and New Zealand. Australian troops are fighting in a cli- ' mate not requiring the use of the heavy woollen uniforms New Zealand makes for its troops. The federation considers that since the full facts of the case are known to the Government, the position should be clearly stated for the information of the public, and the regulations should be enforced.