NEED FOR FOOTWEAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21113, 22 February 1932, Page 12

NEED FOR FOOTWEAR.

POSITION OF UNEMPLOYED. " BOOT POOL'S " DIFFICULTIES. "The present system of relief work is in real danger of failure simply because of Hie difficulty of finding adequate footwear for the men," said Mr. S. J. E. Closey, treasurer of the Central Rehabilitation Committee, which has been operating the ''boot pool" since September. "The men cannot afford the expense of adequate boots for country work out of their wages, and the boot pool has reached a stage where it cannot carry on under present arrangements."* Ibe "pool," which was started by the Farmers' Union to recondition footwear for issue to the poor and needy, has mended 6700 pairs of boots and it now has in store 550 pairs to be dealt with. A total of 32 bootmakers has ben given employment in reliefs, an average of 10 being kept in work. The leather was purchased in bulk and cut to pattern by machine to save any unnecessary hand labour, and machine welting was clone where needed. All applicants for boot repairs must bo certified as being genuinely in need, and the applicant must have his application stamped by the Labour Department to prove that he has fulfilled all the conditions of the department. , "Reports from officials in charge of unemployed single men's camps show the worst position yet recorded," said Mr. Closey. "During the summer, men have replaced their worn-out boots with light canvas shoes, which appear to have a working life of 10 weeks in fine weather. All foremen report that wet weather will put these men out of action." Mr. Closey said some steps would have to bo taken as the boot pool committee could not. continue as at present. The number of donated boots was falling off and as far as working boots were concerned had practically ceased. The committee would either have to restrict repairs to workers, refusing women and children, or appeal to charitable organisations for subsidies, or make a nominal charge for repairs. "The urgency of this question is stressed a s the oncoming of wet weather will create a crisis," Mr. Closey added. "A rough survey of the position indicates that there will bo required in the city and suburban areas "at, least 6900 pairs of boots to enable the unemployed to undertake their work. This demands action on the widest scale without delay.'.'