WAR-TIME PRODUCTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24327, 18 June 1940, Page 6

WAR-TIME PRODUCTION

TRIBUTE TO MANUFACTURERS DEFENCE NEEDS FIRST MINISTER’S MESSAGE (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, June 17. ’ “ Since: the outbreak of the war, New Zealand manufacturers have beep adapting themselves 5 to ' the transformation from peace-time economy to war-time production,” said ‘the Minister of Supply (Mr D. G. Sullivan), when referring in an interview this evening to factories and other resources placed at the disposal of the Government for the furtherance of the; Dominion’s war effort. These manu-| facturers, the Minister added, had; given their co-operation to the Gqv-| eminent by supplying all the demands; for defence equipment. Despite the extra strain .thrown upon their re- 1 sources by all this additional workj they had loyally, endeavoured- to main 4 tain production for' civilian requiref ments also. ' 1 j “There may be some lines of domesf tic needs that are not quite as plentiful as tjiey usually are,’’, Mr Sullivan said, , “ but I think our people. will realise that in these cases the demand for defence purposes has slowed up production for civilian use and that they .wfll ; accept the situation with equanamity. The needs of the defence forces mhst take precedence over all else. Ojir soldiers and airmen must be adequately equipped? and the New Zealand: Expeditionary Force will be one of the best equipped with clothing and onei of the best-shod forces serving iii the theatres of war. Woollen mills, clothing factories, and footwear factories have adapted their production and their resources in a most admirable manner,” . Mr Sullivan said that not every (industry could be adapted to war work, but he wished to thank sincerely. 1 all manufacturers who had offered 'the Government the full use of their i resources and plant to be used for;the furtherance of New Zealand’s warf effort in any way i the Government deemed .desirable. Not gnlr manufacturers',' but individual members "blithe community with specialised knowledge and attainments, had written offering their services to the Government, j All this evidence of co-operation and goodwill had been most encouraging. > • “ To all our manufacturers and to all our workers I would give this message,” said the Minister. “ Garry on and maintain production at the highest possible level.”, , 1 i--