A NATIONAL DUTY.

Every day the public are reminded of the scarcity of paper, and yet it is doubtful whether the urgency of the situation is fully realised. Two thousand tons of materials used ordinarily for the manufacture of paper are now required every week by the Ministry of Munitions for shells and other war purposes. The Government demands are increasing, and, combined with the business requirements of the country, have necessitated the creation by the Controller of Paper of an organised department, associated with which are many voluntary workers, all engaged in the task of producing raw materials, more particularly waste paper, and doing their best to relieve the present stringency. Foreign supplies have been almost entirely cut off, and the country is therefore thrown very largely upon its own resources. Mills are resorting to commodities which papermakers would scarcely have looked at before the war, and at the same time they are relinquishing materials required by the Government. Only those in close association with mills and the paper stock trade can appreciate the seriousness of the situation. Merchants all over the country are doing their best to satisfy the requirements of the Government and accede to the limited demands of mills. Prior to the war about 1¾ million tons of paper and papermaking materials were imported annually, or over 30,000 tons a week. To-day, owing to lack of tonnage, not a quarter of that quantity is allowed to be brought into the country, and only a comparatively small amount is being received by mills. With the large foreign supply of pulp and other materials cut off, it is necessary to tap every available source at home. As those acquainted with the trade are aware, for many months, owing largely to the competition for depleted stocks, the rise in prices was sensational, and was regarded as unsatisfactory by papermakers and merchants alike. Now prices for home-produced materials are fixed, and there is no advantage in hoarding for a rise. Householders, in addition to saving paper, should turn out their rags, and small collectors will benefit themselves, as well as the country, by bringing forward supplies. Inquiries show that for the past few weeks some uncertainty has prevailed in regard to quotations for different grades of rags under the order which was issued in March, and merchants have found it difficult to obtain supplies. But it is hoped that this difficulty will be speedily removed, and every opportunity afforded to stimulate business. There are grades of rags used in the manufacture of paper that are scarce owing to causes that are difficult to remove in war time. The increased use of coloured materials, the disuse of evening dress, the dearth of collectors owing to recruiting, all contribute to the shortage of certain kinds of home-produced materials which in normal times would find their way to the paper mill.