LARGE ORDERS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19998, 25 July 1939, Page 2

LARGE ORDERS

BOOTS AND UNIFORMS COVER Nil ENT CONTRACTS MANUFACTURERS BUSY A statement that woollen and boot manufacturing companies in the Dominion were working at full pressure to cope with increased Government contracts was made by a Dunedin business man .at the week-end. The Minister of Defence, the lion, F. Jones, recently announced that contracts for substantial quantities ot khaki uniforms and 1(1,000 pairs of boats had been lot, but from inquiries made it appears that in the case of the woollen mills the contracts already let are considerably greater than the public has been led to believe. Large contraots .have been placed with ithe various mills for the supply of khaki uniform material, blankets and hosiery and it is predicted in some quarters that further substantial contracts will be arranged in the near Luiure. No Details Disclosed “Nio. I am sorry we cannot give any details of contracts or figures,” said one business man connected with a manufacturing firm. “The woollen companies are regarded iby the Government as naughty boys after the last bit of publicity about contracts, and I think it would be unwise for us t.o give any information about the present position, not that it was we who .gave the details last time.” The result of the pressure of Government work on the woollen mills .s that private consumers are suffering in a large number of lines. The mills are unable to meet deliveries and have been compelled either to ration distribution to clients or advise them they cannot make delivery until several months hence. This means that many retailers will be without a Dominion-made line and will not be able to import substitute .stocks on account ot the restrictions. Labour Problem

The woollen mills are working full time at present, but some difficulty is still being experienced in obtaining sufficient labour. Girls are required by most mills and skilled workers are also difficult to secure.

Boot manufacturing firms are also extremely busy and even tentmakers are joining in Government contracts. Most of the .canvas work being done at present is slated to be for the Public Works Department.