SHOES FOR TODDLERS

Evening Star, Issue 26091, 3 May 1947, Page 9

SHOES FOR TODDLERS

SERIOUS SHORTAGE IN N.Z. LACK OF CLOTHING MATERIAL (P.A.) WELLINGTON', May 2. Grave concern at the present shortage of small children’s footwear and the lack of material suitable for babies’ clothing was expressed at the half-yearly meeting iu Wellington ot i the Dominion Council of the Plunket Society. . ' , ‘‘Although licences to import children’s footwear may be obtained when availability has been proved,” says a statement issued by the council, “ it appears that in many cases undue, delay has been experienced in granting licences to importers, with the result that the goods are no longer procurable. The Customs Department figures show that the importation of shoes, sizes- seven" to nine, has been maintained, while that of sizes nil to six has declined. This is a serious matter, particularly in view of the greatly increased birth rate during the past two years, as indications are that an-army of toddlers will have to go unshod during fh.e coming winter. ; ‘‘Tlie society intends to place its case before the Footwear Planning Committee and urge that manufacturers, be-Apprised of the serious situation and asked what contribution they are prepared to make towards relieving the present emergency. Council • members reported that expectant mothers had fainted in antenatal clinics after hours of tramping the streets in a fruitless search for materials for gabies’ layettes. It was stated that during the past few months the society had approached the Minister of Industries and Commerce aud the New Zealand Woollen Mill Owners’ Association, but in spite of strenuous efforts to improve the very serious situation, an acute shortage existed of cot blankets, white llannel, and white wool. The society is sending a deputation to the Minister of industries and Commerce requesting him to make full investigation of the serious position and asking him to find a solution.