SHODDY FOOTWEAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3673, 5 August 1924, Page 33

SHODDY FOOTWEAR.

WELLINGTON, August 1. Further complaint in regard to the sale o£ shoddy footwear was made lo the Minister of Labour (the Hon. G. •). Anderson) this morning by a deputation representing the Boot Manufacturers’ Association and the Boot Trade Federation, comprising employers and operatives respectively. Both in their own interests and in the interests of the general public the deputation asked that legislation bo introduced prohibiting any boots and shoes of shoddy leather being offered for sale. Disappointment was expressed by Mr A. Ross (prosicDen'tl of the Manufacturers’ Association) that better results had not been achieved as a result of the conference held some time ago with the inspectors of the Labour Department.

The Minister said the use of certain materials other than leather was effective and quite permissable. and the department did not intend to lay it. down that footwear should be all leather. , Ross said they merely wanted to be on | the same footing- as the manufacturers m ihe Old Country. Mr Anderson staled that the propositoin put to him wa.s not an easy one. He hail inspected some of the children's footwear that was being imported, and he agreed that it should be prohibited from entering the country, but it would be difficult to convince the House that shoddy ladies’ shoes should be prevented from coming in. Working woiiien demanded l oots and shoes rrcording to their purses. The departmental officers were doing their tit most to protect the public. It was quire possible for children s shoes to he made of all-leather and vet bo more dangerous to tho wearer than compo ’ footwear. “From my point of V| ”'v. lie said, “ihe thing you ask is imj Practicable except in tho case jff children’s footwear, and it is not going to be an easy matter to deal with. However. I shall go into it with the experts of the department and see what can he done.”