VERY BUSY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3126, 3 June 1942, Page 5

VERY BUSY

SHOEMAKERS IN PAEROA WORKING LONG HOURS PETROL RESTRICTION SEQUEL Shoe repairers in Paeroa are working long hours in an endeavour to cope with the present volume of work as a sequel no doubt to the petrol restrictions which caused people to walk more. Repairers stated to-day that the volume of work had increased owing to men being called up for service. With the approach of winter the work might be expected to be even heavier, as sandals and sandshoes were popular in the warmer months and did not call for the same amount of repair. As’ a result of the war, people were undoubtedly walking more, it was stated and this was also having an effect on their trade. Although many people who formerly used their private cars had joined the bicycle brigade, many were making their daily excursions on foot. One shoe repairer suggested that many people would now find an extra pair of shoes necessary. Having to wait their turn in the • matter of repairing, instead of stating that the job was urgent and having them mended quickly as in former times, would make this necessary. Employment of Women Another suggestion made by a repairer was that some people would take to mending their own boots and shoes. Asked if women could be employed in the trade, the same man said that while they would be suitable for such jobs as taking patterns, stripping soles, sandpapering and inking edges, polishing off and attending to the counter, the actual task of repairing, was a man’s job. The skin on a woman’s hands was more sensitive than a man’s, and even his hands became calloused as a result of the work. The difficulty also in paying award wages for’ the value of work which could be done by girls did not make their employment worth while.

People grew very fond of shoes, stated one repairer. They often put off the job of having them repaired for a foolish length of time and then, when they did bring them into thfi shop, they wanted them again either the very same day or very shortly. “They’re so comfortable I want them back as soon as I can,” was a common cry, but in these days the parting from old friends would 3 be longer.