CLOTHING BEING SIMPLIFIED

Southland Times, Issue 24819, 11 August 1942, Page 4

CLOTHING BEING SIMPLIFIED

CONSERVING MAN-POWER AND MATERIALS

(P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 10., “The simplification of clothing is being undertaken in New Zealand and progress has already been made,” said the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, when referring to advice received from other Empire countries and the United States concerning similar action taken there.

“The purpose of this simplification is to conserve man power and materials so that the maximum quantity of goods will be produced within the limitations of available supplies of _ raw material and labour,” he said. “It is too early to indicate the exact form that the simplification will take, but care is being exercised to avoid calling on persons to make sacrifices which will not yield a corresponding benefit to the community as a whole. Full recognition is being given to the necessity for simplification, but it is considered that nothing so drastic as is implied by the term . ‘austerity clothing’ will be necessary, at least at this stage. “From an examination of the position it appears that maximum savings can be effected by simplification along lines which will not unduly interfere with the enterprise of a .manufacturer ,in individual design, style and finish, or with the taste of the user when these factors do not make excessive demands on materials and labour. Nevertheless, if a saving of 10 or 20 per cent, of the available supplies can be made and the quantity of garments available proportionately increased, both manufacturers and consumers will benefit correspondingly. This is the principle along which simplification of clothing is being developed.”