BOOT PRICES.

Western Star, 9 April 1920, Page 3

BOOT PRICES.

Mr H. Clark, president of the Auckland branch of the Boot Manufacturers Association, was seen by a ‘Star’ reporter regarding a, statement by a member of a Wellington firmi dealing largely in hides that the quantity of leather in an average pair of boots is not more than 21b, and that, as hides had not advanced more than one shilling per pound, ho asked, “ How, then, does the bootmaker justify the suggested increased price of 10s to 12s per pair in his prices? ’ “ I am prepared',” said Mr. Clark, I to give £25 to any charity he likes to name if that gentleman can, prove that only two pounds of leather Are required for the manufacture o'f one pair of men’s working boots. “No doubt the price of hides is- satisfactory to brokers and dealers in these goods,’ ho continued, “but are the small farmers reaping the benefit? As far as I can learn, unless a farmer is in an exceedingly big way, or a shareholder in a freezing company, he receives absolutely no. benefit whatever. For instance, although hides are fetching such high prices, at the last sales at Westfield! beef fell -Is per cwt, which means about £2 10s per bullock, although the hide stands at about £3. A farmer acquaintance cf mine two weeks ago sent some fat calves, six -months old, to auction, and they realised only £2 10s each, yet the skin alone was worth £1 10s. It seems to be the dealers in hides who 1 are reaping the benefit, and the public have to pay. My association, however, i’s thoroughly at one with the suggestion of a Wellington dealer, in hides that a public inquiry should be held regarding the matter, and the whole question thoroughly ventilated.”,