THE BOOT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 83, 14 May 1914, Page 6

THE BOOT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

To the Editor of THE STJN. Sir, —The people of New Zealand are beginning to realise the .value of our own manufacturing industries and to see that the financial prospect of the Dominion depends largely upon the successful operations of these industries. Intermittent employment ought never to obtain a footing in this country. Full employment could be assure'd to every capable and willing worker if the people would support their own country.

The Industrial Association of Canterbury cannot be expected t6 acknowledge anonymous correspondence, and in future will refrain from doing so, but it would be very satisfactory if ' 1 W.H.W.'' would agree to meet the committee. He commences his' letter: by claiming to be an expert in boots, . and, whilst he believes in upholding the industries, of this country, yet he deplores the lack ; of brains employed, in the construction of footwear. He admits, that the New Zealand manufacturer can make as good boots as can be produced in any other country, but he follows up this admission by enumerating . many faultsmeasured, of course, by. the standard of his alleged • epcpert The faults include " lack of brains, fossilised ideas, absolute inability to assimilate new or better methods, or. even to imitate, lack of artistic, sense, greed and incompetence." ,He concludes his letter in the most, pleading" terms by askiiig "When will the local manufacturerslearn that' specialisation is their .'only.; hope, and that not until they employ capable men to manage their affairs can any improvement take place ?'' It is. quite clear that the Saviour of the Boot Trade is living amongst us and we knew it not. If he will be good enough to communicate with me I will endeavour to afford him an opportunity to further explain the difficulties and to meet representative employers and workers who would be specially; invited ,to . attend.— I am, etc., RONALD S. BADGER,

Secretary Industrial Association of Canterbury. '