WOMEN’S OPINIONS OF N.Z. FOOTWEAR QUALITY

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28701, 26 September 1958, Page 2

WOMEN’S OPINIONS OF N.Z. FOOTWEAR QUALITY

The quality of New Zealandmade shoes was attacked last week by delegates attending the annual council meeting of the Dominion Federation of Townswomen’s Guilds. They decided to ask the Government to improve the standard of workmanship and styling because English shoes were no longer available. The import of women’s, maids’, men’s and youths’ footwear was cut by 100 per cent when the revised import controls became effective in January.

Boot and shoe manufacturers in Christchurch feel that there is no justification for the complaint. They say their shoes can compare with any in the world in the same price range. The women claimed that whereas a shoe bought in the United States or England was expected to last four years locally-produced footwear would wear for only one year. Exclusive Footwear

Manufacturers are willing to agree that they cannot make the exclusive footwear available tn London’s high-grade shops, where shoes, which are often handsewn. cost as much as £lO to £25 a pair. New Zealand |ias neither the skilled craftsmen, tanning facilities to produce such high-grade leathers, or the demand for the shoes. For the few who would buy this type of shoe the field is not worth investigating. “We concentrate on shoes for the majority who are willing to pay £4 to £5 for their footwear. We think we do so very well but complaints of this nature are expected from women’s organisa-

tions from time to time,” said a spokesman for one of the large manufacturing firms in Christchurch.

- “British trade journals feature this kind of antagonism sometimes so we know that they too have their difficulties in trying to please the public demand.”. A shoe buyer for a city store believes there is not much to choose between the two. “When we did have English makes in stock they were either too expensive or the wrong style. The women who were dissatisfied buy matrons' shoes which have solid heels and high vamps made in glace leather. Imports of this leather have been reduced by 50 per cent, and it is not tanned in this country. So manufacturers will be forced to use the leather available to them. I think women have had too wide a range to choose from; they have been pampered far too long with finnicky change* of fashion.” Woman’* Comment

A woman in her fifties we* asked to comment on her experiences. She was not happy with the styles offered. “Much too plain and uninteresting,” she said. "Because I have to wear heavy shoes it does not mean I would not appreciate a little more tasteful'decoration." But she did agree that over the last few years there had been a marked improvement in the lasts, leather and comfort which she hoped would go on improving. She found they were wearing better too. The New Zealand Footwear Manufacturers* Federation will hold its annual Dominion conference early in October when it is possible the remit passed by the Townswomen’s Guild will be discussed. It is certain that discussions will be on imports, supply of raw materials and anything affecting the trade in general.