FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 168, 15 June 1940, Page 9

FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY.

WARTIME SERVICE. i per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 14. Full consideration of future plans for the industry, particularly its. relationship to the war effort, was given at the annual meeting of the Footwear Manufacturers’ Representatives Association There was a large attendance. The president, Mr D. V. Wilson (Christchurch), dealt with the import restrictions and the consequent development of,the, industry in New Zealand. This development had not been achieved without difficulty, he said. The sudden and enormous increase in demand for New Zealand-made footwear had created many problems for the industry, and these had become more acute following the outbreak of war. The industry had found itself in the position of having to cater for practically the whole of the country s requirements and, in addition, to supply military footwear. In spite of many difficulties, however, particularly that of obtaining labour and raw materials, the industry had justified the responsibility placed on it and had provided a very definite answer to its critics. The future was not without its problems, said Mr Wilson, but lie feltsure the industry would prove capable of surmounting them. These problems, however, would necessitate the individual and collective support of those guarding the destinies of the industry. As an association they must without delay formulate ’ plans to meet- the changing conditions. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr Wilson ; vice-president, Mr E. G. Bridgens (Auckland); committee. Messrs V. H. Dearslv (Auckland), P. Edwards (Wellington). J. A. East ( Christchurch) and J. R. Luff (Dunedin).