N.Z. FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY

Southland Times, Issue 24153, 15 June 1940, Page 6

N.Z. FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY

ENORMOUS INCREASE IN DEMAND

CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO FUTURE PLANS

(United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 14. Full consideration of future plans for the industry, particularly its relationship to the war effort, was given at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Footwear Manufacturers’ Representatives’ Association held in Wellington yesterday and today. There was a large attendance.

The president, Mr D. V. Wilson, of Christchurch, dealt with the import restrictions and 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. These had become more acute following the outbreak of war. The industry had found itself in the position of having to cater for practically the whole of the country’s requirements in addition to supplying military footwear. In spite of many difficulties, however, particularly that of obtaining labour and raw materials, the industry had justified the responsibility placed on it and had provided a very definite answer to its critics. The future was not without its problems, said Mr Wilson, but he felt sure the industry would prove capable of surmounting them. These problems, however, would necessitate 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 following officers were elected:— President, Mr Wilson, vice-president, Mr E. G. Bridgens (Auckland); committee, Messrs V. H. Dearsly (Auckland), P. Edwards (Wellington), J. A. East (Christchurch), J. R. Luff (Dunedin).