SKIN-TIGHT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18067, 19 April 1933, Page 3

SKIN-TIGHT

UNDIES OF RUBBER DISCUSSION IN PARLIAMENT CANBERRA, March 51. The latest liliny fabric for use in “foundation garments” is: Cobwebthread lace? No. Eairywing frailty? No. It is just rubber. Solemnly the nation’s legislators discussed foundation garments last night. Mr. Blakeley (Lab., N.S.W.), speaking with an authoritative ring in his voice, said it was not right that crude rubber for manufacturing purposes should pay 4d duty when certain manufactured rubber, such as that used for foundation garments, was admitted free. “These foundation garments are worn by the wealthier class,” said Mr. Blakeley, “and I may add that they often wear very little else.” “Who wears them?” asked Mr. White, innocently, “divers?”

“Your knowledge is almost prehistoric.” retorted Mr. Blakeley in disgust. “You must know that this rubber material is used in making garments for women. It is skin-tight, and, because of its flexibility, it is very popular. But it is not being used by the working girls of Australia. The foundation 'garments are the privilege of the -wealthy, and they should be made to bear a pren portion of the duty burden.” Mr. Cl abb: You seem to know a> lot about these things.

Mr White explained that the all-round duty had been fixed to protect the rubber-growers in Australia and- mandated territories. The duty was returned to the growers in the form of a rebate. As to foundation garments, he modestly disclaimed any knowledge, but reported that his officers called attention to the fact that the rubber material used to make them paid 45 per cent, duty, British, and 60 per cent, foreign. The item was passed.