BOOTS FOR UNEMPLOYED

Taranaki Daily News, 11 May 1933, Page 7

BOOTS FOR UNEMPLOYED

GOVERNMENT ASKS TENDERS

AUCKLAND’S STRONG PROTEST.

«A TOUCH OF SOVIET RUSSIA*

RETAILERS’ “BREAD AND BUTTER.”

•By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, May 10.

Auckland boot manufacturers have been invited by the Unemployment Board to tender for the supply of 20,000 pairs of boots and shoes, comprising 5000 pairs of boys’ boots, 5000 of girls’ shoes and 10,000 of men’s boots. Strong objection to the proposal was voiced to-day by retailers and manufacturers and the Auckland Retailers’ and Manufacturers’ Associations, and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce will be asked to take the matter up. “It’s a touch of Soviet Russia,” said one shopkeeper. “It’s the thin end of the wedge and will result in locking many of our doors.” Another retailer said that the principle could be extended so that everything the people ate, wore or used would be supplied in the same way. It was understood that relief workers and families would purchase 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 shops and so cause more unemployment.

One manufacturer said he was convinced that the principle was bad. The boots and shoes for which the board was inviting tenders were the retailers’ bread and butter lines.

Another manufacturer said the manufacturers were 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 manufacturers to employ more men.