CLOTHING PRICES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26782, 27 May 1948, Page 4

CLOTHING PRICES

IS AUSTRALIA CHEAPER?

IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY

According to a cable message published in yesterday’s Otago Daily Times the statement attributed to Mr W. Sullivan, M.P. for Bay of Plenty, that

“New Zealand was a much more expensive country to live in than Australia,” has aroused the ire of Ne.w Zealanders living in Australia. Those who contend that this rather doubtful distinction goes to Australia aver that Mr Sullivan based his opinion on what they contemptuously describe as “ window shopping.” Support for Mr Sullivan’s belief that many articles of clothing are cheaper in Australia than in New Zealand is certainly afforded by a first glance over the advertising columns of a leading Sydney daily newspaper. It is important to emphasise, however, that like “ window shopping,” such comparisons may be quite fallacious, because the important factor of quality is necessarily ignored altogether. The quality of New Zealand goods, particularly woollen goods, compares more than favourably with the best that Australia can produce. It is also important to note that clothing is still rationed in Australia. One of the bargain offerings in the first paper looked at was a pair of Ddnegal tweed slacks, later described as “ all wool.” These, with pleated fronts, angle pockets and full, extension band, are priced at 375. On the same page a smart-looking tailored overcoat .is advertised at 80s 6d, and a tailored sports coal, with jetted pockets, and art silk-lined, seems to be reasonably priced at 945. All pure woollen cardigans make an appeal at 22s 6d. Two sizes of women’s flannelette pyjamas at 19s lid, and a more ornate pair at 22s 6d are featured by a number of firms, but these prices for similar-looking articles in New Zealand shops would certainly not create any furore amongst women purchasers. There appears to be. an abundance of men’s clothing, with fairly large stocks of ready-tailored suits. One Sydney firm advertised two-piece, double-breasted dinner suits at £lO, and a three-piece one at £1 19s more. If the quality 1 is up to the usual high standard demanded by those who can afford a" dinner suit, then the price seems reasonable. Poplin shirts, with collar attached, to be. worn with these suits, are priced at. 18s lid.