SCARCE AND BEAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11732, 23 June 1916, Page 5

SCARCE AND BEAR.

HIGH-PRICED LEATHER. MORE LAVISH STYLES. That, a new style in ladies' footwear has been entered upon in New Zealand is evident to the observant, says the .Auckland "Star.'' Whereas formerly the modestly long skirt covered a multitude of deficiencies in boots, the .skirt is now worn short,, and 'he new boots are longer in the leg, of dainty models, and topped with cloth fabrics to match tlie dress. On inquiries being made in the city by a -''Star" representative, it was learned that Indies had rc-'.e:i.;.\ commenced buying much more expensive boots, it being estimated that tliere nad been an incieasfe of about 10s per pair in the average prices of footwear purchased by those of the fair sex. One manufacturer stated that the Americans had conceived tho notion a few .yours ago that ladies should be as particular about the shape and effect produced by their footwear as by their headdress, and in order to further their plans they designed tho attractive boots which are now meeting with such a ready sale locally. Girls who, three years ago, bought boots for 22g to 25s i%. pair, were now willing to pay from WJs to 35s or even £2 in order to be up with the new fashion. Tho increase in price has been accounted for to some extent by the scarcity of stocks, and manufacturers state that certain lines of leather are ►wSLMiofa that further increase in the prices of practically all lines of boots must bo looked for. The price of glace kid, which could be obtained prior to the war from Asia Minor and India, had increased by 200 per cent, while box calf was almost unobtainable. Quite recently news had been recfeived that tho British Government had held up one million pelts in India. Mexico, another source of supply, had also supplied consideraby less than usual, a fact probably clue to the state of unrest in thecountry and the enormous increase in freiehts.