WINTER WOOLLIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23511, 27 May 1938, Page 6

WINTER WOOLLIES

DEMAND SLOW OFF THE MARK EFFECT OF UNUSUAL SEASON Although it is the end of May, it is reported that there is not yet any snow on the upper levels of the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys. Also Lake Monowai, which supplies Southland’s electric power, is at its lowest level since the generation of electricity was begun. All this might not seem relevant to the fact that people throughout New Zealand are only just beginning to buy ,their winter clothing; but it is indicative of an extension of autumn, mildness, at any rate in the southern provinces, that has not had a parallel for many years. . Last year, an Otago Daily Times reporter was told yesterday by people whose business it is to know these things, trading in winter clothing began in February. This year it is three months later. One man said that he could not remember such mild weather from a winter trading point of view in the past 20 years, while others estimated that it is 35 years since the heavy demand for woollies was delayed for so long. “It is really just starting now,” they agreed, “and if one thing is certain, it is that as soon as there is some steady rain and a constant bite in the air, the staffs are going to-have to hustle to cope with the rush.” A Matter of Contrast This state of affairs is by no means restricted to Otago and Southland, although it is probably more noticeable in Invercargill and Dunedin than anywhere else. Reports from all parts of the Dominion are in agreement, and the representative of one firm which has a network of stores said that in Auckland, in particular, it was being •found that opposition firms were already adopting measures in an attempt to boost sales. “We are going to have a lop-sided season,” he said. "It seems quite clear that the demand in the latter half is going to be one of the heaviest for many years. It is being noticed down here, I think, mainly because this weather is so unusual at this time of the year The North Island has its ram and bad weather in the winter, but it also has a proportion of mild weather, whereas once winter begins in the South Island it is its custom to make a fairly consistent onslaught.” There has, of course, been ram in abundance in parts of the North Island and also in Canterbury, but nowhere have temperatures yet settled down to their regular winter levels. Ihe result is that the inquiry for woollen dress fabrics, heavy coats, woollen underwear, and heavy boots and shoes has had a long period in -which to limber up, and is now ready to jump right into its stride as soon as it gets Ihe requisite encouragement. Otago and Southland have not been reminded this year of the bitterness of winter squalls. “We don’t want to be spoilsports.” another manager said; but it can’t go on indefinitely."