WOOLLEN YARNS

Southland Times, Issue 24446, 28 May 1941, Page 7

WOOLLEN YARNS

POSITION IN DOMINION OUTLINED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 27. “New Zealand has never been selfsupporting in supplies of woollen yarns. Lately we have been drawing some supplies from Australia,” said the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) today. “The position outlined in a cable from Australia was known to the Government. Arrangements have been in train for some time designed to increase not only our domestic production of yarns, but also woollen piece goods and blankets in order to minimize any shortage that may develop. The future action of the Government will depend on what success is attained in the effort to increase production. '‘The woollen mills today are supplying large quantities of piece goods, underwear, socks and blankets for the armed forces, in addition to the maintenance of our most essential civil needs. They are also endeavouring to provide a small quota of materials for the needs of the Imperial and Allied forces.”

The cable referred to by Mr Sullivan stated: Woollen yarns would not be available in future for civilian needs, Senator P. A. M. Mcßride, Minister of Supply, said in Melbourne. All the yarn produced would be needed to clothe the troops. This did not mean a shortage of stock of civilian suitings held for 12 months, as stocks held by manufacturers, distributors and retailers would not be interfered with. Senator McBride said a shortage of civilian supplies of blankets must occur soon, as henceforth every blanket manufactured would be taken by the Defence Department, but present stocks had not been requisitioned.