TOY STOCKS

Evening Star, Issue 23702, 9 October 1940, Page 6

TOY STOCKS

DEPLETED BUT NOT EXHAUSTED CHRISTMAS TRADE SHOULD BE CATERED FOR IMPORT RESTRICTIONS CREATE PROBLEMS ' Toys will not be over-plentiful in Dunedin this Christmas, but it is felt that there may be sufficient to tide over the season; after which the shortage will become very acute. It is not the war which is primarily responsible for the shortage, the import restrictions are being blamed. There are grounds for such a statement, too, as is proved by the letters coming from English manufacturers seeking an extension of business in the Dominion. These letters are backed by photographs in trade and other illustrated periodicals showing the extent to which toys are being manufactured, despite allegations to the contrary from higher quartern in New Zealand. Most of the toys depicted are of a mechanical type, representing aircraft, battleships, tanks, and armoured vehicles, the sort of thing boys like to receive. Existing supplies of mechanical toys in this country are very low, and do not offer i a great variety. Some firms have been fortunate in buying up sample articles, thus augmenting: their stocks, but the number acquired this way is only a drop in the bucket.

Such things as meccano and toys of an educational nature have not been restricted to the extent of other articles, and there are moderate supplies of these available. Quality dolls, china tea sets, rubber and" celluloid toys,, and all manner of cheap articles (formerly principally of Japanese make) will be extremely short. An attempt .was being made in New Zealand to fill up the gaps mainly with wooden and “ cuddly ” articles, but the output was limited, and in the latter prices were likely to be high. Although it is expected that the Christmas trade will be met, if not as fully as could be desired, at least sufficiently to satisfy most demands, there will be little variety and few articles available thereafter. A relaxation of the import restrictions which would permit the importation from Great Britain (where the business is urgently sought), America, and Japan would seem essential for the safeguarding of future trading. An interesting angle on the present situation is the demand for good secondhand toys, and shops which handle such articles effect sales as soon as they are placed on exhibit. It is stated that a certain amount of private trading is going on between people whose children have outgrown certain toys which are in good enough condition to be used by others, and those w-ho can find a use for them.