SHODDY BOOTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10871, 11 September 1913, Page 2

SHODDY BOOTS.

WHY NOT FOLLOW AUSTRALIA? (By Telegraph—Special to the " Star.') WELLINGTON, September 10. Discussing tlio declaration of the Minister of Customs to-day that there is no intention on the part of the Government to introduce legislation this session to safeguard the public against imported shoddy boots and shoes, Mr Myers this evening expressed his surprise at such a decision, in view of the largo number of unemployed in the local manufacturing industry. _ lie contended it would be a great mistake to allow tho industry to languish. A former Government, said Mr Myers, put this industry on such a footing as enabled manufacturers to givo their employees higher wages with shorter hours and yet compete against the imported article. Why not follow the lead of Australia by having imported boots tested? If they fail to pass the tost they are returned, and a second offence incurs a penalty. Hon F. M. B. Fisher: What about local boots composed of shoddy? Mr Myers: I would do tho same thing. I believe that local manufacturers could supply tho people of the dominion with a better and more lioneat article than that imported. Mr Harris (Waitemata) said that he had received advico from Auckland vhat a considerable amount of unemployment existed there in the bootmaking trade.

Mr Myers: It is becoming quite serious

Mr Harris: Yes. I understand it is. Ir the imported and locally-made boots were properly branded it would do much to help the industry. New Zealanders would theu know what they were buying. Now they were being victimised by imported shoddy boots sold at enormous profits.