SHODDY FOOTWEAR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 1 August 1924, Page 9

SHODDY FOOTWEAR.

— — « APPEAL TO MINISTER. A DIFFICULT PROBLEM. (BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.! WELLINGTON, Aug. 1. A further complaint in regard to the sale, of shoddy footwear was made to the Minister for Labour this morning by a deputation representing the Boot Manufacturers’ Association and the Boot Trade Federation, comprising employers and operatives respectively. Both in their own interests and in the interests of the general public the deputation asked that legislation be introduced prohibiting anv boots and shoes of shoddy leather being offered for sale.

Disappointment was expressed by Mr A. Ross, president of the Manufacturers’ Association, that better results had not been achieved as a result of the conference held some time ago with the inspectors of the Labour Department.

The Minister said the use of certain materials other than leather was effective and quite permissible, and the depertinent did not intend to lav it down that footwear should he all in leather. Mr Ross said they merely wanted to he on the same footing as the manufacturers in the Old Country. Mr A. Watt, secretary to the Employees’ Federation, referred to the number of unemployed in the trade. The Hon. G. J. Anderson stated, in reply, that the proposition put to him was not an easy one. He had inspected some of the children’s footwear that was being, imported, and he agreed that it should be, prohibited from entering the country, hut it would be difficult to convince the House that shoddy in ladies shoes should he prevented .from coming in Working women demanded hoots and shoes according to their pulses. . Departmental officers were doing their utmost to protect the public. It was quite possible for children’s shoes to be made of all leather, and vet be more dangerous to the wearer than “compo” footwear. “From mv point of vie", he said, “the thing you ask is impracticable, except in the case of children’s footwear, and it is not <miim to he an easy matter to deal with” However, I wilt go into it with the experts of the department and see what can be done. ’