BUYING IMPOSSIBLE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20099, 20 November 1939, Page 11

BUYING IMPOSSIBLE

SHORTAGE OF CANVAS

GISBORNE MAN'S STOCK “The buying of canvas from the whorehouses in New Zealand is impossible, as not even a yard of material is procurable,” said a Gisborne tentmaker this morning, when telling of the effect of the war and the consequent increased demand for tent material by the army abroad and in the Dominion. The Gisborne man said that he had forseen a shortage and was holding a large stock that was landed here two days before the outbreak of war. This would enable him to continue for 18 months without the necessity of doing any buying. Despite this fact, however, it would be necessary for him to conserve his stocks as much as possible. There would be no waste from now on and that would be the only way some traders would be able to carry on.

Material for the making of camping equipment was in sufficient supply in his stock to enable him to carry on with his usual orders this summer and also next summer. Campers in Gisborne would not be saddled with a greatly increased price, as was the case in many other centres where firms were caught with comparatively low stocks at the outbreak of war.

After Christmas he considered that the shortage would be serious. Although the import restrictions had not been altered from those ruling last year the price was now prohibitive. The cost in England of cotton goods had advanced by 40 per cent, insurance was up 50 per cent, and freight charges had increased by 25 per cent. It was thought that the position might be relieved to a certain extent as soon as the large military orders had been filled, and that the shortage might be temporary. Rope was also in short supply.