BOOT TRADE AND THE WAR.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15193, 13 April 1917, Page 7

BOOT TRADE AND THE WAR.

ELIGIBLE MEN AND PRIVATE WORK. THEY COULD BE SPARED. WOMEN'S UNNECESSARY BOOTS. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 13. The Military Service Board, at the request of the Defence Department, granted a rehearing of the appeal of George Thomas Rogers, boot importer, who is employed by Adam Moore, Ltd., and who was granted an extension of time to show that the boot, trade could release more men of the First Division for active service.

Major Con lon said it was evident that one big firm could handle all the military boat work in New Zealand- He was going to suggest, on instructions received, that there were eligible men doing private work for employers who could very well be spared. A lot of high priced and unnecessary boots were being manufactured for women to the disadvantage of the military authorities. Never before had there been such extravagance, especially in women's footwear, owing to the'shortness of skirts. It should be known boots for this purpose were, being made costing -C3 10s and more. Rvidence was also given by a leading boot .manufacturer that' no boot operatives belonging to the First Division were indispensible. as others could easily be taught to fill their places. He previously employed a man whose case was similar to the one under review. He found no difficulty in teaching an apprentice, who was doing the work satisfactorily. • The Board regretted its previous decision, but did not reverse it, as the extension of time granted to appellant would expire this month.