THE BOOT AND SHOE TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11630, 18 April 1901, Page 4

THE BOOT AND SHOE TRADE.

Of late years the imports of boots and shoes have greatly increased, and several houses which formerly did a manufacturing trade are gradually being "transformed into importing establishments. The great argument for placing a heavy duty on boots and shoes was that an industry would be established which would give employment to a large and .an increasing number of operatives, and would also furnish a profitable investment for local capital. Further, it was pointed out that in only a few years from the imposition of the duty, the industry would be so firmly established that no protection would be required, and the duty could be repealed. What do Ave see now 1 The importations are greater than ever, notwithstanding several increases in the duty. The industry is giving employment to a comparatively few persons. It is, in fact, shrinking rather than expanding. And it could not stand for an hour without the heavy protection of 33 J per cent. Can anyone say that this result is satisfactory 1 Is it not indeed an absolute failure ? How much does the general community gain? How much, indeed, does it not lose ? Every person has to pay about twice as much for his boots and shoes as he would have to pay if the duty were abolished. Every hard-working country settler, who carries his share of the colony's burden, and aids it in pushing ahead, has to pay double on thi3 item. Many men are willing to make a sacrifice for the general benefit. But the sacrifice which the country settler is called upon to make benefits nobody, or only a very few. ;At the present time a case is pending before the Arbitration Court in Christchurch, in which those employed in the boot and shoe industry claim all round an advance of 10s pet; week and four hours less of work. If they are successful, the industry will be still further restricted, fewer men will be employed, our imports will be increased, and the capital engaged in the trade will receive less return. This last item matters very little. But in the meantime we shall all have to go on paying double price for our boots and shoes.