Children’s Footwear

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 270, 10 August 1943, Page 4

Children’s Footwear

Sir, —There is a problem which must be worrying thousands of mothers in this city. It is the problem of obtaining footwear for small children. Not only is footwear unobtainable, but also underwear, pyjamas and warm materials. It is well-nigh impossible to buy shoes of any description for the child under three years of age. Is there any explanation for this? As every mother knows, it is vitally important that small children should be well shod, not only in winter, but at all times of the year. We accept the inevitable shortages caused by war, and are quite willing to do without many necessities so that industries may be diverted into channels of war production; but surely it is not too much to ask that the babies be taken proper care of? Apart from loving them, we know they will someday constitute the generation which will have a mighty job to do, and if we, through lack of necessities, cannot safeguard their health today, we cannot expect strffiig men and women tomorrow. There is little incentive to have more children knowing that we will be unable to equip them. If there is any feasible or reasonable explanation of this position then the mothers will accept it as we accept other burdens, but somehow I don’t think there is.—l am, etc. —MA MA. Wellington. August 5.