MANUFACTURE OF FOOTWEAR

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25243, 23 July 1947, Page 10

MANUFACTURE OF FOOTWEAR

INDUSTRY VOTES FOR LICENSING OBLIGATIONS EMPHASISED BY MINISTER (P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 22. A ballot recently taken of those engaged as principals in the manufacture of footwear showed that the industry wishes to retain licensing under the Industrial Efficiency Act, said the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr A. H. Nordmeyer) to-day. Twelve months ago the New Zealand Footwear Manufacturers’ Federation conducted a test ballot among its members and this showed a desire for industry to be delicensed. The then Minister (Mr D. G. Sullivan) suggested that the amendments to the plan might remove some of the criticisms and by his direction an amended plan was drawn up. This was approved by the Bureau of Industry. Mr Nordmeyer said he gave an undertaking that rejection of the amended plan would be considered a vote of no-confidence in licensing for the footwear industry and that he would then take steps to have the industry delicensed. Mr Nordmeyer said the amended plan provided for rotational retirement of the committee, reconstitution of the industrial plan committee, and a few other minor amendments. It must be clearly understood that with the protection afforded by the licensing provisions of the act there was a responsibility on the industry to take every possible step to see that the public was adequately served in quality, range, and price.