BOOTS AND SHOES

Southland Times, Issue 22012, 11 May 1933, Page 8

BOOTS AND SHOES

TENDERS CALLED UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD’S ACTION MANUFACTURERS ALARMED (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, May 10. Auckland boot manufacturers have been invited by the Unemployment Board to tender for the supply ot 20,000 pairs of .boots and shoes, comprising 5000 pairs of boys’ boots, 5000 pairs of girls’ shoes, .and 10,000 pairs of men’s boots. Strong objection to the proposal was voiced to-day by both retailers and manufacturers and the _ retailers and manufacturers’ associations and the Chamber of Commerce will be asked to take the matter up. . “It is a touch of Soviet Russia, said one shopkeeper. “It is the thin edge of the wedge and will result, in the locking of many of our doors.” Another retailer said the principle could be extended so that everything the people ate, wore, or used would be supplied in the same way. It was understood the relief workers and their families would purchase the footwear at a few shillings a pair and the main cost would be borne by the unemployment fund. The effect must necessarily be a curtailment of the staffs in the shops and so more unemployment. One manufacturer said he was convinced the principle was bad. Boots and shoes which the board were inviting tenders for were the retailers’ bread and butter lines. Another manufacturer said manufacturers would be placed in a very awkward position for the board could go outside Auckland with its order. The position was very serious and required much consideration. He suggested that it would be better for the Government to subsidise the manufacturers to employ more men.