OBJECTIONS OF BOOT TRADE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13484, 25 July 1907, Page 5

OBJECTIONS OF BOOT TRADE.

Per Press Association.

WELLINGTON, July 24.

A meeting of boot and shoe importers, retailers, and others interested in the boot trade was held to-day to discuss the new tariff. Mr. R. Hannah, •who presided, said that as far as he coiild understand, there were no manufacturers in favour of the revised tariff, and he was certain no. retailer favoured it. Some of the items had risen from 25 per cent., as in the case of girls' slippers, to 150 per cent. Rubber goods would run up to 148 per cent. He moved a resolution expressing the opinion that the duties proposed by the Government in respect to boots and shoes would £c oppressive to the wageearners, stating that the old tariff was pre-eminently satisfactory, and declaring that it was certainly harsh that 95 per cent, of the population should be penalised for the purpose of providing a doubtful advantage to a small body of boot and shoe operatives. The mover declared that the old tariff gave ample protection to the manufacturer. The resolution was carried, and it was decided that all interested in the trafle should wait as a • deputation on the Minister.