CLOTHES FOR DIGGERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 September 1940, Page 6

CLOTHES FOR DIGGERS

AUSTRALIAN SUPPLY TASK HUGE ORDERS PLACED. SOME ILLUMINATING FIGURES. Since the outbreak of war, millions of pounds worth of uniform clothing and personal equipment have been delivered to the Australian Army Department by the Department of Supply lyid Development. These orders and deliveries, according to information released by the Australian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, have in themselves been a big part of defence preparation. The largest delivery of woollen piece goods consisted of 5,532,204 yards valued at £2,103,947. Blankets were the next biggest item, 1,298,961 valued at £1,034,185 having been delivered. Othei- items delivered were: Flannel, 1,421,948 yards, valued at £251,173; cotton piece goods, 4,887,890 yards (£865,234); leather military boots and shoes, 969,099 pairs (£678,881); fur felt hats, 580,480 (£259.103); khaki drill hats, 214,000 (£26,697); field service caps, 460,080 (£66,781); service dress jackets, 678,480 (£834,988); service dress trousers, 698,054 pairs (£393,817); working dress jackets. 520,554 (£229,394); working dress trousers, 644.121 pairs (£223,055); greatcoats, 463,790 (£909,596); singlets, 1,631,655 (£371,403); drawers. 1,178,899 pairs (£314,437); shirts, 937,935 (£250.348); shorts, 141,627 pairs (£45,830); towels, 924.908 (£89,589); socks and stockings, 2,315,053 (£194,241); pullovers, cardigans, etc., 472,920 (£175,638). The shopping list for the army in Australia for four months would terrify the most liberal housewife. The Contract Board is making arrangements to place contracts for groceries worth £850,000. The main items are: Tea, l,034,0001bs; preserved fruits, 2,124,000; 30oz tins jam, 2,900,000; 240 z preserved meat, 1,968,0001 b; tinned fish, 1,271,0001 b; biscuits, 600,0001 b; peas and lentils, 191,0001 b; salt, 93,0001 b; pepper, 3,7501 b; mustard, 3,7501 b; rice, 80,0001 b; oatmeal, 80,0001 b; curry powder, 46,000 lb. Arrangements were also made for the supply of further items including: Butter, 200,0001 b; tinned tomatoes and vegetables, 400,000; 30oz tins meat, vegetable ration (“Maconochie”), 3,000,000 lib tins, bacon 136,0001 b, pork and beans. 1,000.000 tins, cheese 200,000 lb, sugar 1,312,0001 b,