THREE MAIN REASONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 750, 24 August 1929, Page 7

THREE MAIN REASONS

WHY AUCKLANDERS SHOULD WEAR “PATRIATA” SHOES New Zealand-made boots and shoes have no fear in facing the competition of imported lines as, quality for quality, they are equal to the world’s best. This seems rather a sweeping statement to make, blit Messrs. O. A. Coles and Co., Ltd., makers of the famous “Patriata” shoe, are able to prove that it is true. Occasionally, however, some overseas manufacturers seek to “dump” supplies on the New Zealand market and these are sold cheaper than the locally-made article. Nevertheless, every New Zealander would be exceedingly well advised to prefer and continue to buy the New Zealand-made shoe, for three main reasons. First, it is a matter of actual fact that the average New Zealander requires a larger shoe fitting than the average person in England or on the Continent. The exact reason for this is difficult to find out, but Messrs. Coles and Co. have studied the question of the New Zealander’s feet, have had special lasts made, and can supply the local needs by giving a better fitting. Second, New Zealand conditions, particularly the weather, are studied by the “Patriata” people when designing shoes. For one thing, shoes made in the Dominion are made of all solid leather, as there is a regulation which requires footwear in which “compo” is used to be so branded. Third, although an imported article may be cheaper, it must be remembered that it is made by cheaper labour. The New Zealand boot factory worker is highly paid and it is up to his fellow countrymen to give him a chance against the low-wage competition. P’urther, the New Zealand worker is governed by the finest health and factory legislation in the world.