CLOTHES RATIONING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 May 1942, Page 2

CLOTHES RATIONING

♦ BUSY DAY FOR RETAILERS DEMAND FOR MANCHESTER GOODS. NO PROVISION FOR SOLDIERS. The one topic of conversation among householders at present is the introduction of rationing for many articles of clothing. An immediate effect of this extension of the rationing scheme was an extraordinarily keen demand for many goods, especially those not included in the ration list. Masterton drapers yesterday all report an exceptionally busy day. One retailer said trade was even better than on Christmas Eve and another reported that the takings exceeded sale receipts. An early demand set in for Manchester goods such as sheets, towels, pillow cases, tablecloths, which at present are not being ed under the Government scheme. Retailers, however, were forced to restrict sales. On the whole the rationing scheme is welcomed by retailers, though the opinion is expressed by one principal that Manchester goods should have been included from the outset. A point of some importance was brought to notice by another retailer. This was that no provision has been made for soldiers. That he said, was definitely wrong as soldiers purchased quite a lot of requirements such as socks, underclothing, etc. At present they could not even buy a handkerchief.