"SHODDY" FOOTWEAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18567, 27 November 1923, Page 8

"SHODDY" FOOTWEAR.

CHECKS ON IMPORTATION. REQUEST TO THE MINISTER. The checking of the importation of "shoddy" boots and shoes was urged by a deputation that waited upon the Minister for Customs, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, yesterday. The deputation was representative of the boot manufacturers of Auckland and their employees,, and consisted of Mr. A. Trenwith, president. of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Boot Manufacturers' Association, and Mr. C. A. Watts, secretary of the New Zealand Boot Operatives' Federation. Samples of shoddy footwear, largely constructed of paper in the form of heel stiffeners, inner soles, and heels, were shown to the Minister. They covered various ranges of boots and shoes, but were mostly for women's and children's wear. Large quantities of such unhygienic footwear were, it was stated, now being offered for sale in the Dominion.

The deputation urged a more vigorous administration of the Footwear Regulations Act, and that the Act be amended to provide that where materials other than leather are employed in the manufacture of boots and shoes, a true description of such materials shall be supplied. It was further suggested that a Bill be introduced next session prohibiting the importation of footwear containing paper or composition. The Minister expressed his sympathy with the object of the deputation, but pointed out that the matter vat primarily one for the consideration of the Minister for Labour, as the Footwear Regulations Act was administered by his department. The Customs Department would only come into the matter in carrying out any regulation that had been formulated by the Labour Department, and this would have to take the form of further amendments to the regulations. He would, however, be glad to confer with his, colleague on the matter.