STOCKING SUPPLY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 April 1942, Page 4

STOCKING SUPPLY

POSITION IN MASTERTON STOCKS AT LOW LEVEL. The position in Masterton in regard to the rationing of stockings is that at the moment not much hosiery is held in stock and it is unlikely that any demand could be met at the present time, even through the coupon system. During recent months most firms have been restricting sales to one pair of stockings per person. It is understood that some manufacturers have fair stocks, but retailers, it. appears, have been on a ration basis for some time past. The manager of one Masterton retail shop expressed the view that the shortage was largely artificial. He had heard of cases in which women had put aside as many as 20 or more pairs cf stockings. Moreover, the same firm, it was stated, since the beginning of the war, had sold three to four times as many stockings as in a similar period before the war.

Other circles express the view that although hoarding has been practised by some women, it is not general. There appears to be agreement, however, that the present ration is quite inadequate to meet needs and that women will be faced with the adoption of some means of making their stockings last longer. The position may be met to some degree by the wearing of sockettes over stockings, where the feet of the latter have been worn out. In the summer, of course, many girls and younger women will prefer to go stockingless, but in the meantime, with the cold winter .months approaching the position appears to be somewhat difficult, unless a more liberal rationing is possible.