Being so far distant from the main theatre of war, Australia is showing, up to the present, relatively little adverse effects of the change from a peace to a war-time footing. No doubt, in course of time, shortages of imported goods of various kinds will lead to considerable difüculty in certain industries, but, so far, supplies of nearly all lines have been adequate to cover needs, deficiencies which have appeared being due mainly to rationing of stocks by distributing houses. Some such course of action is a necessary safeguard against overbuying by manufacturers and retailers. Also it may prevent? acute shortage from developing, as while stocks are being conserved, endeavour can be made to draw upon new sources of supply, and the local Mame t. various lines can be of Austfalasia Ltd., in peer developed, says the Nati
report.
The change in conditions has been i|aecompanied by much-increased demands, not only for the wide range and great volume of goods required for military purposes, but also for many industrial products. In part the addition to non-military demands results from purchases made in anticipation of rising prices, particularly æf imported goods or of articles made largely of imported materials, Another important factor is the restriction of some imports and stoppages of others due to causes such as the closure of sources of supply, shipping shortages, inability of oversea manufacturers to complete orders, rising prices in oversea markets, and added costs for freight, insurance, and, in some markets, exchange. To these must be added the import prohibitions brought into force on December 1. These changes have already stimulated local production of various sections of both primary and secondary industry, with helpful reactions on the tone of business in general.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.