ARMY BOOTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12081, 9 August 1917, Page 6

ARMY BOOTS.

IMPROVEMENTS IX XEW ZEALAND. Tho supply of boots for the Expeditionary Force is made the subject of special reference in th e Defence Department's annual report. •' I'lider the I!H7 contract." it is stated, "several important and necessary changes have been made, in connection with military boots. 'lhe uppers are now cut from a heavier grade of chrome leather, than was used formerly. Tho puffs, which were often a source of trouble through dropping, thus causing discomfort to the wearer, have been eliminated. Tho sectional hocl-iips, Which proved by wear to be altogether too heavy on one portion of the heel, thus causing the wearer to twist awl distort the boot, have been abolished: thoso have been replaced by full heeltips, which are proving satisfactory. Another weak spot in the 101(1 pattern boot wa.s the seam in the back-strap where it joined ihe golosh. Tin's seam, known as a ' bent seam.' gave considerable trouble by breaking away after being submitted to wear. This fault has been remedied by tho addition of an outsido counter, which does away with thp «' :im J1, "l strengthens this ]>ortion of the boot. It was also considered advisable to r. vert to the three-deck solo, and actual wear proves that the extra substance thus obtained in the fore part of the sol 0 add,s considerably to the life of the boot. These changes have resultrd in the issue of a much-improved boot. "The canvas shoes formerly issued have been replaced by a more serviceable article. A full-chrome, all-leather Derby shoo, solidly standard-screwed, is now supplied. These shoes will resist a. certain amount of wet. and are capable of repair when the soles are worn, thus proving more economical than the cheaper article.

'" A system of water-proofing was introduced in August, 1010, and every boot, issued since that dale has been subjected to this process. From reports received this system is proving most satisfactory, and has increased the durability of the boot.

" A l)ool. l'ppnir shop was started in January last, and a staff of nine men employed, who repair an average of -K<o pairs weekly. The result has proved most, satisfactory, both financially and as regards Iho quality of work. Since starting this slum the. price of all materials has considerably increased, the price of leather aioiio ha vino- advanced by lid ivcr pound, while th.e cost of other articles has increased proportionately. Nevertheless first-class materials only have been used for repairs, and the cost of half-solino; and hoeliivj; boots- after allowing for wages, maintenance., depreciation of material and machinery - has In" n induced by 10<1 per pair as compared with th,-. lowest quotation submitted in December, lflWi. In addition, the Department has the satisfactory knowledge that all materials used are of the best qualify, and that the boots are thoroughly repaired by expert tradesmen. The total number of boots repairer! to April !?0 was 1000 pairs, thus effect in <x a saving of .Clfi'i l.'V-j Id. equal to an annual economv of