CHEAP FOOTWEAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 41

CHEAP FOOTWEAR.

VERY DEAR TO, THE PUBLIC. Before tho Second "Wellington Military Service Board on Wednesday (says the NewZealand Times), G. W. R. Charman (boot and shoe manufacturer, Wellington), who was represented by Mr Blair, appealed for exemption on the ground of public interest. He was engaged, he stated, on the production of low-priced footwear lor children. He had 20 employees, and turned out about 900 pairs of boots and shoes a. week. Ha and his wife both worked in the business, she doing the clerical -work. Ho was hia own foreman in all departments. In reply, to the chairman (Mr J. W. Poynton, d.M.), the appellant said that the highest-priced children's footwear he turned out was sold to the warehouses at 8s 6d ai pair. The Chairman: "And what will they charge the unfortunate consumer when they reach him?" The Appellant: " Weil, that is another story." The Chairman (holding up a pair of shoes): "And what is the pneo of these?" Appellant: "I chaigo tho warehouses 5s 9d a pair." The Chairman: "And I suppose retailers charge the public 15s 6d a pair?" Appellant: "About 7s 6d, I think." . The Chairman (touching another pair): "I paid 15s 6d for a pair about this sizu only the other day." Replying to further questions, the appellant said that he did not supply tho retailors direct, as they would not tako enough of -any - particular line-. He sold to the warehouses. The Chairman: "And instead of charging a fair price, they clap on a big price and the public have to pay. It ia no good to them, your manufacturing at a low rate, is it ? It" is not the public that benefit; it ia the retailer. If we were convinced that the public were getting cheap boots and: shoes through you, we would be very glad to help you, because tho price of boots ia scandalous." The appellant confessed that it was. Tho Chairman: "It is really outrageous. Leather and labour have not gone up «o much as all that, have they?" Tiie Appellant: "No, sir." The Chairman: "It really is absolutely shameful. We . are so interested to findthat it is possible to make cheap footwear that we will' visit your factory this afternoon." Decision was reserved accordingly.