boot INDUSTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18345, 3 June 1931, Page 9

boot INDUSTRY.

MAKING AND MARKETING. . EXPERTS’ INQUIRIES. TRAINING OF CRAFTSMEN. « Some of the major problems confronting the boot and shoe Industry are discussed in a report prepared by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The opinion is expressed that a thorough investigation of the present methods of marketing is desirable. In some cases very high selling charges are said to exist, and also a great discrepancy between the wholesale and retail prices. Difficulties occur, it is stated, through lack of training in technical knowledge resulting in the need for bringing skilled craftsmen from overseas.

“In the- past,” the report says, “very little attention has been given to the effect of factory conditions on the storage of leather and finished shoes, the effec't of humidity and temperature on the leather in the process of making shoes, the proper tempering or mulling of leather in order to obtain the best conditions for working, the materials used in the manufacture of leather, and their effect on the materials used by the boot manufacturer.” The report then discusses various technical details in the treatment of materials and the manufacture of different, types of footwear.

Attractive Appearance. “The attractiveness or general appearance of the finished shoe Is to a great extent the deciding factor which enables sales to bo made," the report continues. “There are many kinds of leather and many kinds of polishes, waxes and finishes. In order to obtain the best result the proper finish must be found for the ,type of leather of which the shoe is made. “Not only must the finished shoe look well In the factory, but also after twelve months in the retailer’s shop. There Is no doubt that the supply of stains, polishes, etc., available to the shoe trade in New Zealand is a very comprehensive one; but as a rule the agents who sell them are not competent to advise as to their use, and the Instructions sent with them often are inadequate for the scientific use of them. Technical Knowledge.

“There is a great lack of technical knowledge among operatives training in New Zealand of the materials that they use. At present there are no means by which this .technical knowledge can ho obtained. The present position is that bootmaking is not a full-time occupation for all operatives. As a result there is wastage of trained operatives, which is not capable of being replaced by the persent apprentice system. At a normal busy season the demand for ‘key’ operatives exceeds the supply. This position hinders and delays fulfilment of orders, resulting In orders being placed overseas.

“When a designer or skilled craftsman Is required, generally a person is brought into New Zealand to fill the position. Witli some means of technical education or training these lucrative posts would be available to locally-trained men. This would provide a future outlet for some of the youths leaving school, which outlet at present, is closed lo them. “The latest machinery is available lo the industry, but there is only one man available to instruct operatives in each island. This man also is responsible for repairs to machinery, installation of new machines, as Weil as instruction in how to use them, it is impossible to expect this person lo he a skilled operative on any one machine in addition lo the oilier qualifications lie must possess."