Second-hand Boots in the Army

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 54, 5 March 1943, Page 5

Second-hand Boots in the Army

WELLINGTON, Mar. 4. Army boots was the subject of an urgent question by Mr. Clyde Carr (Tiraaru) to the acting-Minister of Defence when the House met at 2.30 to-day. He asked whether, in view of the fact that some worn out or condemned army boots were being replaced with second hand boots, there was any shortage at present of Army boots, and whether, in view of the incidence of ‘‘athlete's foot,” an infectious disease among men, it would be possible shortly to discontinue the issue of second hand boots. The isue of used boots to soldiers was an established practice which was necessary from the point of view of economy, said the Prime Minister, who is acting-Minister of Defence, in reply. Owing to an acute shortage of sole leather, it was essential that all possible wear should be obtained from army boots before they were discarded. However,, to ensure that there would be no possibility of contamination from used boots, they were to bo suitably disinfected before re-issue. Mr. Fraser added that the supply department was giving attention not only to the question of adequate supplies in the Dominion and oversens, but also to the question of better fitting boots which also was very important.