BOOTS AND TYRES

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 May 1943, Page 2

BOOTS AND TYRES

REPLY TO FARMERS.

Replies to the representations made to Mr. Webb on the topics of gumboot and tyre supplies by a deputation from the West Coast Council of Primary Production. were received at the geheral meeting oi the Council held in Greymouth, yesterday. They were in the form of letters from Mr. Webb to Mr. G. G. M. Mitchell (Manpower Officer), conveying the sentiments of the appropriate Ministers to whom he had made representations. The replies did not evoke any enthusiasm when they were read. The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Barclay), writing under date April 1, with respect to gumboots, said it was unfortunately true that the small supplies available for distribution last Spring were hopelessly inadequate. Nevertheless, the proportion of available supplies released for dairy farm requirements was far larger than the number made available for any other purpose, not excluding Army and decontamination needs. “The allocation of available supplies to the various industries was made by the Ministry of Supply. . . I do not think, however, that any exception can be taken to the fact that a small number was reserved for miners. In any case, the total would not have gone very far in meeting the needs of dairy workers, thousands of whom, throughout the whole Dominion, are most urgently in need of gumboots and whom the Government are powerless to help,” added Mr. B *T I’ cl cl v* The Minister of Supply (Mr. Sullivan), in a letter to Mr. Webb, dated April 26, stated that an order for gumboots had been forwarded to the United States in the hope of acquiring a shipment under lease-lend, but it "had yet to be approved in Washington. In addition, the possibility, of making boots in New Zealand, using only a small proportion of raw rubber" was being examined by the Factory Controller, but if this could be done the supply of boots available would meet only the most urgent needs. Of course, primary producers would be among those receiving favourable consideration. “I note also that it was represented to you that, the Farmers’ Union or Primary Production Councils should have some voice in the rationing of gumboots, etc., proceeded Mr. Sullivan. “Wb,en the small shipment which came to hand was being dealt with a meeting of representatives of the various groups of workers was held and a line of action decided on. The Mines Department and Agriculture Department were represented, and both groups received a substantial proportion of the shipment for distribution under the direction of the departmental heads. When dealing with any further supply which may become'available a similar practice is likely to be adopted. “In regard to motor-car and cycle tyres and tubes, I may say that a quota system is operating throughout New Zealand, controlled by committees appointed for that purpose, and tyres and tubes are available to applicants coming within an eligibility list. Unfortunately, the numbers of applications received are much in excess of the limited number of tyres and tubes available for distribution. However, the committees are most sympathetic towards the farming community and endeavour to meet their requirements as far as possible. The supply problem is difficult owing to the grave position of rubber, and this situation controls the number of tyres and tubes available for distribution.’ STATEMENT CHALLENGED. Mr. J. Mulcare (Secretary-Organ-iser) commented that the miners were on the availability list for tyres, while farmers were not, and the position was ridiculous in the extreme. Settlers in Waitaha had stated they had all secured boots from the Para Rubber Company. Mr. N. B. McCallum: The same at Rotomanu! Mr. Mulcare said he had had the assurance of the trade that the Government had “grabbed the indent” of gumboots. It was extraordinary, to think boots were available in Christchurch and that no one knew anything about it. He could report quite truthfully that gumboots were available, though it had been stated there were none. A firm had informed its customers that boots were available and he could have obtained two pairs, but that was not a fair method. . Mr. D. B. Jellie (Chairman) said one company would supply individual orders, but not organisations. Winding up the discussion, Mr. Mulcare inquired: Is everything satisfactory? , Laughter and cries: Satisfactory! No! • -nil The discussion was permitted to lapse without any action being taken.