DEARER FOOTWEAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23621, 3 April 1940, Page 8

DEARER FOOTWEAR

SANCTION GIVEN TRIBUNAL'S REASONS RISE IN LEATHER PRICES [BV TKT.EGRAPH —OWN COUBKSPONDKXT] WELLINGTON. Tuesday Following a sanctioned increase of per cent in the price of leather, increases, which will not be very large, will be permitted in the price of footwear. The advances will vary according t.o the class of footwear and the extent to which New Zealand leather enters into the product. Although ioather prices have risen steeply, the-best sell-| ing line of footwear, women's shoes manufactured in New Zealand, will be increased in price by as little as 3d. Details of the leather and footwear price advances sanctioned by the Price Investigation Tribunal were released today by Mr. H. L, Wise, who, with Mr. Justice Hunter, comprises the tribunal, in an interview. Rise Began With Hides "Following upon an arrangement made recently by the Government in respect of the prices of hides, the net effect of which was a 2-5 per cent increase in price, an application was received from the New Zealand Tanners' Association for a compensating rise in the price of leathers," Mr. Wise said. "After a full examination of all the facts, the tribunal approved of the prices of leather being increased to the extent of the advance of the price for hides. Allowance was also made at the same time for certain increases in the price of raw materials, mostly chemicals, essential for the tanning industry, the cost of which overseas had risen. "On account of the rise in the prices of hides and leathers," continued Mr. Wise, "there must necessarily follow an advance in the price of footwear. This, however, will not be very largo, but the actual amount of the increase will vary according to the class of footwear and the extent to which New Zealand leathers enter into the particular product. Generally speaking, the change will also not become effective for some little time, becausa of the quantity of footwear in course of manufacture from leather bought at the old prices and the quantity in stock in retailers' shops throughout the Dominion." Varying Increases in women's street and fashion shoes, with glace kid, suede or patent leathei uppers and wooden heels, the use of New Zealand leathers is confined to the soles, and the increase in prices will be small on this line, which has the biggest- demand in New Zealand. Increases in price on particular products will be as low as 3d, and not 25 per cent, as has been generally reported. On the other hand, on types such as men's boots and shoes, which are made almost entirely from New Zealand leathers, the increases will be I larger, but on the average they will | be relatively small.