NO SHORTAGE OF MATCHES

Southland Times, Issue 24181, 18 July 1940, Page 6

NO SHORTAGE OF MATCHES

INVERCARGILL STOCKS SATISFACTORY UNNECESSARY BUYING BY PUBLIC In most cities in New Zealand—particularly in Auckland—a serious shortage of matches has been experienced, but according to Invercargill grocers and tobacconists who were approached yesterday, there is no serious shortage in Invercargill. “We are getting as many matches as we did last year—in fact more, but unfortunately people are hoarding them,” remarked the representative ot a wholesale firm. “If people would buy normal supplies there would be no difficulty,” he added. It was pointed out that the' firm rationed its supply each month to its customers. At the present time there were more wooden than wax matches available. Another wholesale merchant said that the shortage was more acute in the North Island, and while there was no serious shortage in Invercargill there was a limited supply and it would be continued for some time. It was mentioned that difficulties in securing raw materials were one of the reasons for the shortage. The sticks for wooden matches came from Sweden, and the cotton for wax matches from Egypt; there was also a shortage of wax. INCREASED DEMAND “There is no great shortage, considering that we have encountered an increased demand,” was another comment. “The difficulty is that New Zealand manufacturers were unable to cope with the demand for matches while people have been buying more than they need. If they were buying normally there would be no shortage at all, but instead they are buying by the packet instead of the box.” Previously a big quantity was imported, and as most matches were now made in the Dominion the demand was greater than the supply. Retailers expressed the opinion that they did not have big stocks, but they had enough to carry on. “A fortnight ago we had practically no stocks, but supplies are back to normal again,” was one remark. CHRISTCHURCH POSITION A Christchurch report states that it is possible to buy one packet of wax matches and one box of wooden ones in Christchurch, though some shops will sell only half a packet of wax matches and others not more than one box. In Auckland numbers of shops will not sell even one box unless the customer is buying cigarettes or tobacco as well; and merchants and shop keepers stated that they are managing to carry on only by careful rationing. A large shipment of matches arrived from Singapore in Auckland last month, and there are still some of this consignment available. In Christchurch the supply comes mainly from Wellington; some firms are receiving supplies from Singapore and Australia; and others have received wax matches from Dunedin.