LESS AUSTERE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 95, 22 April 1944, Page 3

LESS AUSTERE

MODIFICATION IN REGARD TO MAKING CLOTHING (P.A.) Wellington, April 21. Amendments to “austerity” suit specifications and to specifications affecting the manufacture of certain other clothing, have been gazetted. The amendments permit doublebreasted coats where no waistcoat is provided, flaps on pockets, trousers with full cuffs, pleats, and bottom widths not exceeding 22 inches. Restrictions on women’s knitted outerwear have been removed, while other modifications of a minor nature have also been made. The Minister of Supply Mr. Sullivan, said this afternoon that while he did not wish to convey the impression that there was no longer need to exercise strict economy in the use of available materials, the position had somewhat changed, in that shortage of manpower was now the most pressing problem. As indicated when simplification of the measures had been introduced, opportunity was being taken, as circumstances changed, to review the specifications, and it had now been found possible to remove some of the restrictions, added Mr. Sullivan, who reaffirmed that there could be no question about the necessity for these measures at the time they were introduced. MANUFACTURERS PLEASED (P.A.) Wellington, pril 21. “The manufacturers welcome the position that has enabled the Minister to modify the simplified clothing regulations,” said Mr. lan Matheson, president of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Association, to-night commenting on Mr. Sullivan’s announcement. “Despite contentions to the contrary, the regulations had, in their ramifications over the whole trade, effected saving in cloth, and this economy was of value to the national effort. “Doubtless the Minister’s announcement will be received with pleasure by consumers, and it is our job, outside war production, to meet the wishes of the consuming public. As certain aspects of the relaxation facilitate labour saving the present announcement will be particularly welcome to the manufacturers, at a time when the labour shortage has' become so much more acute,” added Mr. Matheson.