FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24325, 15 June 1940, Page 8

FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY

RELATION TO WAR EFFORT PLANS FOR THE FUTURE (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 14. Full consideration of the future plans for the industry, particularly its relationship to the war effort, were given at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Footwear Manufacturers Representatives’ Association held in Wellington yesterday and to-day. There was a large attendance. The president, Mr D. V. Wilson (Christchurch), dealt with the import restrictions and the consequential development of the industry in New Zealand. This development .had not been achieved without difficulty, he said. The sudden enormous increase in the demand for New Zealand-made footwear had created many problems for the industry, and these had become more acute following the outbreak of war. The industry had then found itself in the position of having to cater for practically the whole of the country’s requirements, and in addition to supply military footwear. In spite of the many difficulties, however, particularly that of obtaining labour and raw materials, the industry had justified the responsibility placed on it and had provided a verv definite answer to its critics. The future was not without its problems. Mr Wilson said, but he felt sure the industry would prove capable of surmounting them. These problems, however, would necessitate the individual and collective support of those guarding the destinies of the industry. As an association they must, without delay, formulate plans to meet the changing conditions. - The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr D. V. Wilson; vice-president, Mr E. G. Bridgens (Auckland); committee —Messrs V. H. Dearsly (Auckland), P. Edwards (Wellington), J. A. East (Christchurch) and J. R. Luff (Dunedin).