“MADE IN OTAGO WEEK.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19498, 5 June 1925, Page 15

“MADE IN OTAGO WEEK.”

TO THE .EDITOB. Sir,— Traversing- the main .street of the city one h improved by the splendid displays of Otag'o-mude goods, but at the same time one is struck by the entire absonee of any displays of Otago-made clothing, either women’s or men’s. Is it not strange that this is so, as clothing of all kinds is made in Dunedin on a largo scale, VVhy is it in the background on this occasion Clothing is a commodity that occupies a large place in the thought of both men and women of all classes, but tile shopkeepers—the mercer, the clothier, the mantle house have apparently not thought it worth while to bring Utago-mado clothing to the front during "Made in Otago" Week. Dunedin manufacturers can make clothes from underwear to topcoats as well as these in London, yet the clothing trade at the present time is in a bad way and hundreds of tradesmen) are in very insecure tenure of their positions. The reason is that shopkeepers generally, and especially the heads of departments, give no encouragement at all to the local tntdo because they are badly affected by a kmd of bug which wo call the "Made in London" Bug, or the “Made in Paris” Bug. These people import everything regardless of whether it can be made in Otago or not, except only their daily broad and butter, which they condescend to procure locally. The absurd prejudice against locally made goods is pandered to by the importers who no doubt gel. bigger profits from the imported article simply because they are branded "London’’ or "Paris,” no regard j being paid to true value. The remedy is in the hands of the consumers, who require to drop thia prejudice which certainly exists, and is no doubt fostered by the .shopkeepers or importers of English goods. _ Dunedin people should insist upon having Dunedin made suits, costumes, coats, underwear, hosiery—in fact all their requirements, and get value for their money instead of a name otilv, anti at the same time put on Its feet the clothing industry of the city.— I am, ole.. Bheao ami Buttee. » June 4. ,