SIMPLER CLOTHING

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 281, 26 August 1942, Page 4

SIMPLER CLOTHING

Formulation Of Wartime Standards NOTHING DRASTIC, SAYS MINISTER “There will be nothing drastic in the-simplified clothing scheme,” said the Minister of Supply and Munitions, Mr. Sullivan, yesterday. He’ mentioned by way of example that waistcoats would be permitted as it would be’foolish in the extreme to prohibit them, and cause a demand' for woollen pullovers. Moreover, it should be .obvious tha t while! the manufacturers migh t introduce the new specifications overnight, including outstanding; orders, the stocks of ready-made clqfiiing 'already in the warehouses and shops would be available for purchase in their present condition.

“I regret the premature publicity gjven to consultations which are 'now proceeding in connexion with the formulation of wartime standards for civilian clothing,” said the Minister, “A fortnight ago I. made a statement on this subject with the object of allaying fears caused by cables from overseas that New Zealand might adopt some severe form of ‘austerity clothing.’ I indicated that consideration and consultation was taking’place in order to evolve a satisfactory basis for . the conservation of manpower and materials. I miso stressed .that care(was being exercised to avoid'calling on persons to make sacrifices which would not yield a corresponding- benefit to the community as a whole, and that it appeared that maximum savings,co,uld be effected by simplification without unduly interfering with the enterprise of manufacturers in individual design, style or finish and’ without interfering -with the taste and personal .preferences of the user when these factors did not make excessive demands on materials and labour. “There is no need 1 for any rush of buying of clothing, boots or-sljoes. In fact, 1 will suggest that the loyal citizen, who is really interested in furthering our war effort, will defer his or her purchases till the new specifications are introduced and then having purchased an article using- less material and manpower will invest the saving in the National Savings Funds.”