TANNING LEATHER

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 99, 21 January 1936, Page 10

TANNING LEATHER

Research in Modern Methods CHEAP FOOTWEAR After seven mouths’ study of modern tanning methods in the United States Great Britain, and Australia. Mr. P. E. White, of tlie New Zealand Scientific and Industrial Research Department, and director of the- Pulp and Leather Research Association, returned to Wellington yesterday by the Makura. He stated that while satisfied that New Zealand tanners were closely in touch with the most modern developments, he had secured data which would enable big improvements to be introduced. *■ The manufacture of leather had been going on for centuries, he said. The tanner’s skill was one which bad been handed down from generation to generation in a jealously-guarded family secret. But the old rule of thumb methods of tanning did uot always produce a uniform result. Modern research had made known the various chemical processes involved, bad reduced waste to a minimum, and had eliminated the likelihood of contaminating materials being introduced. Thercwas still a great deal of variety in method, as lie had observed in his visits to numerous tanneries. Research bad probably emphasised rather than help; ed destroy individuality of method. “Every manufacturer must have good raw materials if the best quality article is to be made at a minimum cost,” said Mr. White. “Hides and skins, the tanners’ raw materials, be ing a natural product, vary considerably. In addition, they are made tc. vary still further by defects for which the farmer, butcher, curer, and shipper are to blame. “The farmer is responsible for barb wire scratches, horn marks, and brands, the butcher for knife-cuts and scores, the curer for decomposition due to improper and insufficient curing, and the shipper for irregularities in grading or classification. At present the demand for first-grade hides far exceeds (he supply. The worst faults iu New Zealand hides ar« barbwire scratches, flay cuts, and branding. “Leather is the finished product of the tannery, but is the raw material of the shoe factory. The maker of low-priced' shoes demands cheap leather. Consequently the tanner who caters for this trade must tan the leather as cheaply and quickly as possible. Not only Is the leather imperfectly tanned, but the lowest grade of hides must be used. The foundations are weak, the construction is weak, and v the materials are 'poor. Such is the ‘quality of the large number of lowpriced shoes being sold at prices ranging from 5/- a pair retail.

“Efforts are being macle by manufacturers to eliminate this type of footwear, but so long as the public demands it, then the manufacturer will have to make it. Actually it is not a cheap article, although the appearance makes it look better than it really is. For summer wear, if the weather be tine, this type of shoe is much bettor from the health aspect than rubber. On the other hand they may give a false feeling of security, which will lead to disastrous results in wet weather.”