CHEAP FOOTWEAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21315, 17 October 1932, Page 11

CHEAP FOOTWEAR

IMPORTS FROM JAPAN COMPETITION DENIED A protest agai'ast representations made to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, by a deputation from the New Zealand Boot Employees' Federation and the New Zealand Boot Manufacturers' Association, which urged the restriction of imports of cheap Japanese footwear, fs raised in letters forwarded by Auckland importers of Japanese goods to Mr. Forbes and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates. The importers claim that as rubber footwear is not produced in New Zealand Japanese imports do not come in competition with New Zealand industries. They state: "At a time when it is essential that our production costs should be reduced to the lowest possible limit to enable us to compete in the world's markets, our people ehould not be denied the right of purchasing cheap rubber-soled shoes, gum boots or any other lines imported from Japan which do not compete with local industries. The protection of British shoes is adequately provided for in the tariff, more particularly now that the flurtax on British goods has been abolished. The total duty payable on British shoes is now £27 10s per cent, whereas on Japanese shoes it is £67 7s 6d per cent, or, in other words, there is a preferential rate in favour of Britain of £39 17s 6d. In the case of gum boot 3, British are free and the total duty paid on Japanese is £33 13s 9d per cent. "Admittedly Japanese goods at the present time are low due to the depreciated value of the yen since Japan went off the gold standard a few v months ago. The par value of the yen is 2s Oid, but it is now Is 4id. The reason for this is that Japan's overseas trade balance is unfavourable to her, due to her overseas purchases having exceeded her sales. Her purchase? included large quantities of New Zealand and Australian wool; last year, after Britain, she was the largest, purchaser of Australian wool, and this year she has purchased enormous quantities of wheat from that country. If we are to place an anti-dumping duty on goods imported from Japan', it will in effect bo denying to her the right of paying for her purchases. Furthermore, any anti-dumping duty that may be imposed, would be in restraint of trade and is bound to result in reprisals. This would be most unfortunate at a time when New Zealand is endeavouring to build up her trade with the East."