THE COST OF CLOTHES.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15243, 3 December 1919, Page 7

THE COST OF CLOTHES.

NO DECREASE PROBABLE

The opinion in the wholesale clothing trade formerly appeared to be that after the war prices would be on a .higher level for a little wliile. but the manufacturers would soon overtake the market, with a. -corresponding moderation of prices. The prospects are now seen to bo all to tlie contrary (says a Wellington correspondent). The following cablegram, dated November 20th, received by a rfeiv Zealand house from ite London office "gives some explanation: — "The conditions of purchasing and delivering are considerably worse since tne last cablegram (November 1). Pyjamas and shirtings have greatly advanced, whilst prices are still advancing; print prices are advancing. A delay,in delivery before May or Juno is practically certain. We have in>superablo difficulties in getting any cotton goods for spring and summer. Hosiery houses are .fairly rushed with orders, and manufacturers in all classes of goods are snow e d under with busineSb. a-rices are consequently strong. The spring and summer goods referred to are for the New Zealand trade of 1920-21, which begins in August, so far as the wholesale trade is concerned and in Septemoe;- t\\o retail trade.' Relief from Japan is not expected, as Japanese price* .... -^ in sympathy with the world's market. Extreme prices, it is reporter, v beiug fixed for Japanese silks and cotton goods of all descripfciou.;. ,- ..■■>" goods of like description are in the ■same category.