CLOTHES RATIONING ENDS

Chronicle (Levin), 1 December 1947, Page 2

CLOTHES RATIONING ENDS

OAMARU, Xov. 30. C'othing rationing will be discon , iiHied as from Ihe end of Xove.mber 1947. This was aunounced today b\ the .Minister of Supply ( Mr. Xord meyer) who stated that consideratiou of 'the forward clothing position in dicated that the prospects i'or 19 4b were reasonnbly good, und in the circomstances it was felt that no good purpose. would be served by continuing the rationing svstem. Tliis was particularly so in yiew of the fact that the basis of clothing rationing in Xew Zealand had alwavs lieen on a very geuerous scule, and there were many persons who did mit lind it nccessary to use the coupons Ui which they were entitled. "I desire to make it cleur, " said Ihe Minister, "that the mere fact that rationing is beiug abandoned does not mcan that increased, or unlimited, supplies of clothing will be available. It does mean, however, that the Governmeut feels that the administra tive work involved iu the maintaining oi' the clothes rationing systein is "no longer warranted. "In making this annouucement 1 should like to express my appreciation of the manner in which the clothing trade, both vvholesale and retail, has co operated with the Governmeut -in thc administration of this difficult and, ai times, irritating restriction," said the Minister. "The public generally have been patient and reasonable in observing rationing, and 1 am sure that both the trade and the public w-ill welcome the fact that it has been found pospible to abandon rationing as far as clothing is concerned.,, •