SHORTAGE OF WOOLLENS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1920, Page 8

SHORTAGE OF WOOLLENS.

POSITION STILL ACUTE. CHIEF REASON THE SHOETAGE OP LABOR. The position with regard to the supply of all classes of woollen goods continues to be acute. The shortage severely embarrasses tailors anil clotliiors, who are relying on a hand-to-mouth supply of goods. The public has to purchase what is available, pay a big price for it, and be satisfied. Apparently it will be a long time before the position will be relieved. Inquiries made in Wellington show that if the woollen mills of the Dominion were able to work at full capacity it would take a considerable time to overtake the shortage, eves if stocks were supplemented by shipments from overseas, but the mills are not turning out the maximum output, the chief reason being the phoriage of labor. Men, women, and boys of ordinary intelligence can be taught to operate some of the machines in a few weeks, but this class of work is not attracting young people, even though good wages comparatively speaking, can be earned. One southern mill, it was stated, could probably employ over 200 more operatives if they were available. Relief through importing stocks is as remote as ever, owing to the shortage of stocks in Britain, and to the everincreasing price of woollen fabrics. Of course, a certain quantity of fabrics will be imported, but at increasing prices. !rfie price of clothing in Britain is much higher to-dav than in New Zealand, and it is affirmed that prices in the Dominion will still further advance. It is stated that the only hope cf improving the position, is to adopt a vigorous immigration policy. The British Government has indicated that it will encourage immigration to ths Overseas Dominions, and the time is therefore ripe for the New Zealand Government to act.