EARLY CESSATION

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23280, 16 August 1945, Page 4

EARLY CESSATION

Manufacture Of Munitions (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON. Aug. 15. “Instructions have already been issued that production of munitions throughout the Dominion is to cease as soon as possible.’’ said the Minister of Supply and Munitions (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) to-night. “After the end of the war in Europe reconsideration was given to our munitions programme, and, after consultat on with the overseas authorities, heavy reductions were effected in the local output. When the war in the Pacific made rapid progress further adjustments were made and last weekend. when peace became imminent, immediate advices were sent to munitions manufacturers that the cessation of munition production would follow the announcement of peace. The production of many lines has already ceased. We are waiting advices from abroad as to future requirements of engineering stores and other commercial supplies which we have been furnishing. and it will not be possible to determine further requirements until replies are received. When further information on this matter is received, an announcement will be made.” Mr Sullivan announced that, with the end in sight of the manufacture of military radio receiving sets, it was necessary to take steps to allow the radio industry ample time to prepare for the production of domestic receivers. It was intended to remove control over radio manufacture on August 31. by which time most of the military work would be finished. Mr Sullivan said it was hoped that this preliminary notice would enable factories to make preparations for the change to be brought about without loss of production.