Shoe And Leather Fair Planned For City

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29767, 9 March 1962, Page 2

Shoe And Leather Fair Planned For City

Hundreds of pairs of shoes, w-rth £lOOO, will be given away when the New Zealand Footwear Manufacturers’ Federation holds its third New Zealand shoe and leather fair for four days in Christchurch at the end of July. Through a system of gift vouchers it is expected that each day more than 200 pairs of shoes will be given away to patrons. Announcing details of the fair, the president of the federation (Mr M. F. OT den of Christchurch) said his executive had decided to stage it in view of the big public interest in the first fair, held in Wellington in 1957. and the second fair, held in Auckland in 1959. More than 100.000 persons in these two centres had viewed the large displays of New Zealand-made footwear and the products of tanneries. This number also included many footwear retailers who travelled f.om all parts of New Zealand for the fair. Big Display The fair in Christchurch would open on Monday, July 30, in the Winter Garden, the first evening being allocated to retailers and official guests. The remaining three days would be for the public and it was hoped there would be record attendances, of b h Christchurch and country persons.

Exhibitors from all parts of New Zealand would be displaying their products and it was also hoped there would be a section devoted to the theme “shoes of all nations,” which had excited great interest when displayed for the

first time at the Auckland fair. Another theme for development was that of a “footwear wardrobe,” emphasising the need for the right shoes on the right occasion. Mannequin parades during the fair would assist this.

In Christchurch, an organising committee comprising manufacturers, retailers and tanners has been set up under the chairmanship of Mr O’Brien, who will be leaving on an overseas business trip soon. During his absence, Mr W. L Sargison, of Christchurch, the vice-president of the federation, will act as chairman. Organising assistance will also be given by executive members of the Manufacturers’ Federation from Wellington.