THE RISE IN LEATHER.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12392, 4 January 1906, Page 9

THE RISE IN LEATHER.

CONTEMPLATED ACTION BY BOOT

MANU_*ACm?BKRS

(SPECIAL TQ THE PBESS.")

DUNEDIN, January 3. It was seen from i recent oable that, as a result of the-increased prioe of leather, the Sydney Boot Manufacturei-A-sociation had announced their intention of raising the price of all boots and shoes from 5 per cent, to 15 per oent. from January. It seems that the .New . Zealand Association will have to consider the same, question shortly. A local boot manufacturer was interviewed „ to-day. He says that a meeting of the Boot Manufacturers' Association was called for December -4th, but it was subsequently decided to hold it over until after the holidays. It will probably eventuate tbie or next week. Tho question to be considered is rather a serious one for tirade, and, therefore, the publio. Prices for all kinds of leather,, waxed calf, chromes, etc., have, risen considerably, and manufacturers are receiving intimations, from colonial and Home firms, of increased charge-, necessitated by tihe extreme price- of hide and calf skins. The circular of the Home Association states that, with leather at its present rates, the only way to keep down the price of boots , to the present level will be to provide an inferior quality article. Perhaps ono way of coping with tihe position locally would be to put an export duty on skins. - A large quantity of sheepskins and hides are bought for export. Apart altogether from tho prioe of leather, the present award j it seems, has .raised the scale of wages for the' eaiployees of the trade.