BACK TO NORMAL

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20910, 15 September 1939, Page 6

BACK TO NORMAL

BUSINESS IN HAMILTON OONOERN OF SHOPKEEPERS DIFFICULTIES OVER STOCK Although for the first week after the declaration of war business in Hamilton received a rather severe setback. there is every indication that trading has returned to normal. Managers of various firms state that just as much business as before the outbreak of hostilities is now being transacted, and the complete lack of panic is evidenced by the fact that there has been no rush of buying of materials that were scarce and rose in price during the last war. Cotton Tabrics and other materials with cottons as a base, were difficult to obtain during the Great War, and It Is expected that it will be more difficult to obtain this class of material this time owing to the shortage of stocks already in New Zealand. For the first few days of the war there was an appreciable rush on certain foodstuffs, reported some grocers, but this has now been overcome and customers are trading normally. It is stated by many that the attitude of customers for all types of business is that they should carry on as usual, though it is evident that there is a fair amount of uncertainty as many are waiting definite announcements from the Government concerning the possible steps that will be taken. Entertainments Popular Again The manager of one firm stated that although business was quite good again it was clear that many customers were none too sanguine about buying too much other than necessities. There was a certain amount of criticism regarding the Government’s lack of definite information regarding what steps are likely to be taken, but it is generally realised that it would take time to formulate comprehensive proposals. However, it is hoped that the announcements to be made today will clear up many points. Besides the return to normal trading, the picture theatres, which are usually one of the first types of business to suffer during a falling off in trade, are now attracting normal patronage. According to one theatre manager the theatres are endeavouring to provide programmes which will enable patrons to forget the horrors of war for a while, and several films have been withdrawn voluntarily as unsuitable. Besides the outbreak of war, the benzine restrictions had a disastrous effect on the motor-car sales, but here also a most noticeable improvement has been recorded owing to the partial lifting of the restriction. It is pointed out that the allowance of ten gallons a month for private persons is sufficient for the needs of most private motorists. Shortage of Stooko The managers of several firms said today that most business houses were in a far worse position at the opening of this war than they were in 1914, owing to the import restrictions and the difficulties that had been experienced in securing sufficient credits to purchase goods. The stocks in most shops were very low at present, and it appeared that greater difficulty would now be experienced in getting many lines. “It was most unfortunate that the restrictions were in operation for so long prior to the outbreak of the war,” commented the manager of one large warehouse. “As can be realised, there was little chance of ordering ahead, as only a limited amount was being admitted, while the difficulty of securing credits had made it all the more difficult to place orders. I do not think the majority of retailers have ever been as low in stocks as they are at present,” he added, “and it could not have been at a worse time. It seems extremely likely that many goods will increase in price, and one difficulty is going to be that even now we cannot order and the price to be charged will be the price ruling at the time of shipment, not at the time of ordering.” Efforts Of Loool Manufacturers Another aspect of the case, however, was explained by the manager of another firm, who said an unprecedented effort was being made by New’ Zealand Industries to fill the gap and these efforts were receiving the support of the Government. Great progress had already been made and, in some instances, a certain amount of the shortage would be overcome. In most ceres, however, the existing factories could not cope with the huge demand. As time progressed the factories would have better prospects of coping with their orders.