GUMBOOTS

Grey River Argus, 8 June 1943, Page 4

GUMBOOTS

LACK OF SUPPLIES. WELLINGTON, June 7. Hon. J. O’Brien, Minister of Transport, has received from the Minister of Supply, Hon. D. G. Sullivan the following letter: —‘Dear Mr O'Brien, in reply to your memorandum of the 18th. instant regarding gum boots for farmers, timber workers and miners, I regret having to advise you that the Ministry of Supply holds no stocks from which these needs could be met and accordingly no immediate relief can be given. It is just twelve months since the last shipment came to hand and the three classes of workers which you name all participated in supplies, but unfortunately the quantity was quite inadequate to meet all needs. A bulk Government order has been sent to the United States of America with a request for supplv under Lease-Lend but no decision has yet been received by the New Zealand Government, and a cable has recently been despatched to Washington asking for a progress report. Should we be fortunate enough to acquire the boots needed the matter will be made known and the boots distributed under the direction of the Factory Controller. (Sgd.) D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Supply and Munitions.”