THE BOOT INDUSTRY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 249, 20 October 1937, Page 6

THE BOOT INDUSTRY

spectacle of the, Minister of Labour declaring the boot industry to be in a flourishing condition, and quoting figures which were current on April 1 to prove his assertion concerning conditions six months afterwards, is not particularly impressive; and when this is offered in contradiction to the assertions of both employers and employees’ representatives of those engaged in the industry, it is not to be regarded as good advocacy. How*ever, Mr. Armstrong has been wise to inspect the boot factories and learn by personal contact what the position really is. Mr. Armstrong’s position, however, is not a simple one, for besides being concerned for the welfare of the boot industry he must also view that industry in its relation to the general wellbeing. The boot and shoe manufacturing industry in New Zealand has previously experienced violent fluctuations in demand. For some time past the industry has been working at full pressure. The reason for this strong demand is easily identifiable. There has been a prolonged period during which retailers allowed their stocks to run to low levels. When trade conditions improved the retailers determined to carry heavier stocks, andthis movement to buy ahead received a further impetus when it became clear that prices generally were on the upgrade. The industry in question experienced the full flush of this demand, but now there is a natural ebb in orders.

For the same reasons that orders were placed with local manufacturers, orders were also placed for imported lines. These will be arriving in larger quantities during the second half of this year, and during that period it can be made to appear that the lines imported are abnormalSn their supply as compared with local manufacturers. The position at the moment, however, is by no means clear, and in all probability it -will not clarify itself for several months. The Minister of Labour is doing right in moving to inform himself of the position as it is now, but he should also be on guard against being induced to take hasty action.