SHODDY FOOTWEAR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19261, 27 August 1924, Page 7

SHODDY FOOTWEAR.

BOOT DEALERS’ COM- ~'v' PLAINT. ! A REMEDY SUGGESTED, , (Pee United Press Assocxatioii.l j WELLINGTON, Autrust. 25.*. Complaint that the public mind had: TJeea poisoiled against the boot retailers | result of allegations and charges'in. ;rk- : g-ard to the importation, of shoddyfootwear was made by a large deputation ‘yt wholesale and retail boot dealers to the . Minister of Labour to-day. The members also molested vehemently against the per. secution and suspicion to which they Were being subjected. They submitted recommendations for amendments to the .existing regulations, which, they said, were so .ambiguous in some'respects as to mike. It almost impossible to understand them. f The Minister said that an opportunity would be afforded all concerned to give evidence before the Committee of. ; ,th« ' House. He emphatically denied that - the Labour Department of the Government in any way persecuting the retailers. Dealers had every opportunity to, know the law, and if they failed to observe it that was their own fault If shody footwear were found in shops, prosecutions would. follow. The poor must not be, victimised. The deputation suggested amendments 1 to interpret correctly the regulations. They ell desired to prohibit the importation of undesirable footwear. It was a menace to public health. Why not prohibit the importation and manufacture of footwear other than “all leather”? The public mind had been poisoned regarding the quality of footwear being sold, and almost every retailer was under suspicion as things were at present. , ■ The Minister said the Bill was being drafted. Every suggestion would be examined, and if found acceptable would be incorporated in the Bill. AUCKLAND MERCHANT’S’ ACTION. AMENDING LEGISLATION URGED. (Fbom Oca Qwn Correspondent.) AUCKLAND. August 26. The Boot and Shoo Retailers’ Association of Auckland at its last meeting passed a resolution unanimously asking the Government to pass legislation prohibiting the importation of boots and shoes containing pulp fibre, cardboard, or any material having the appearance of leather, but which is not all pure leather. An exception is suggested in respest to the material used in Shanks’s sock lining, toe pulp, toe casing, or heels of wood. The is that in the event of such legislation being passed ample time be allowed to dispose of the stocks already in hand or on order. It is clearly to bo understood, however, that rubber, felt, wool, canvas, satin, velvet, or other fabric goods will be exempt as they have not the appearance of leather. The meeting agreed to join other branches of the association in sending delegates to Wellington to bring the matter before the Minister.