LADIES' BOOTS & THE WAR

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 88, 13 April 1917, Page 8

LADIES' BOOTS & THE WAR

SHORT SKIRTS AND HIGH PRICES

;>X TIUSOHAPH.—PRBB3 .ASSOCIATION,)

AUCKLAND, This Day. The' Military Service Board, at the request of the Defence Department,granted a rehearing of the appeal of George Thomas Rogers, boot importer, employed by Adam Moore, Ltd., who was granted an extension of time, to show that the' boot trade could releasa more men of the First Division for active

service.

Major Conlon said it was evident tihal one big firm could handle all the milt tary boot work in New Zealand 1. Hi was going to suggest, on instructions rai ceived, that there were eligible men do* ing private work for employers wh« oould very well be spared. A lot of high priced and unnecessary boots wero being manufactured for women to the 1 disadvantage of the military authorities. Never before had there been such extravagance, especially in women's footwear, owing to the shortness of skirts. It should bo known that boots for this purpose were being-made costing £3 10a and more.

Evidence was given by a leading -boot manufacturer tfhat no boot operators belonging to the First Division were indispensible, as others could easily bo taught to fill their places. He had previously employed the man whose case was undeT review. He had found no difficulty in teaching an apprentice, who was doing the work satisfactorily. The board regretted its previous decision, but did not reverse it, as the extension of time granted to the appellant would expire this month.