BETTER-CLASS FOOTWEAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22399, 21 April 1936, Page 11

BETTER-CLASS FOOTWEAR

AN INCREASING DEMAND HIGHER PRICES OF LEATHER With the importation of cheap foreign footwear, the whole of the industry has suffered, said the president, Mr. A. Parsons, at the conference of th« Dominion Federation Boot Trades Association in Wellington recently. It was pleasing to note, however, >■ that there was a demand for a better class of footwear to-day. 1 here was an increasing demand overseas lor hides, especially heavy hides, and there was every possibility of another increase in the price of leather. Upper leathers had increased considerably, and, coupled with the two increases in sole leather, this has necessitated an advance in the price of new shoes. Any further increase in the price of leather would necessitate an advance in the price of repairs. It was resolved that efforts be made to have the relief depots for the repairing of boots and shoes closed, as the conference was convinced that these repairs could be done by the repairer at 110 extra cost to the relief worker, and it would be a direct saving to the country.

A resolution was passed that investigations be made concerning sustenance men being allowed to carry on a business, and at the same time receive sustenance, more especially when they were advertising repairs at a cut rate price.

It was also decided to adopt a sign of membership, to bo publicly displayed.