BOOTS-THE NEW PAY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1485, 6 July 1912, Page 13

BOOTS-THE NEW PAY.

PRICES NOT TO SOAR. TWO AUCKLAND INTERVIEWS, . (By Toleßraph.—Press ABSocI&tlon.) Auckland, July 5. Mr. Herbert Dearsley (president of the Federated Boot Manufacturers of Now Zealand) had a conversation this aftornoon with a representative of the "Star" with regard to the settlement of the disputo in that industry. Ho explained that a confercuco had been held last January in Wellington between the employers and employees, but an entiro agreement had not bcon arrived at, and the case had been referred to the Arbitration Court. Last March the dispute- oamo before Mr. Harle Giles (Conciliation Commissioner), but, here again, whilst an agreement was Sossiblo on many issues, a cjinpleto setement of tho points in dispnto could not bo made, and it was decided that the matter must be referred to the Arbitration Court. At the instance of Mr. Pryor (secretary of tho Employers' Federation of New Zealand), tho executive of tho employers in tho boot trado agreed to leave tho matter in his hands with a view to arriving at an amicable settlement. His work has now been accomplished.

From a public point of view, it is,of interest to stato that the new award will not affect tho selling prico of boots, although the steady advance in tho cost of raw material may entail higher rates being charged. Tho term of tho new agreement is for three years, which will giro tho manufacturers what they most desire—a period of peace in trado from industrial strife. . "About 15 years ago," added Mr. Dearsley, " n fow hundred pounds was sufficient to start n boot factory, but, with the machinery' now required, it runs into thou.-ands. Still, owing to the larger output of boots which, is possible with up-to-date machinery, the price of tho article docs not advance. We aro hopeful that tho new agreement will improve tho status of tho men in tho industry. ' "With regard to a telegram stating that tho Wellington manufacturers do not agreo to this award, I can only say that there must bo somo mistake, as I havo information in my possession which proves that, with the exception of n fow manufacturers, the wholo of the trade in tho Dominion havo accepted tho agreement amicably arrived at."> Speaking with regard to' a statement! that appeared in a southern telegram, Mr. Dearsley added: "I would liko to sav that all tho leading manufacturers in tho Dominion not ouly brand their goods, but, in most caws, advertise them as mado in Now Zealand, and articles so marked sell rapidly.

Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, on being asked for his opinion upon this matter from tho retailers' point of view, said: "Nine-ty-nine per cent, of tho public who comefor boots never inquire whero fliey are made. I think, however, that 1 can safely say that two-thirds of tho boot business now is done with the locallymanufactured articles."

Thero is Eald to be an impression abroad that locnl manufacturers are objecting to tho agreement. Sir. Grenfell (secretary of tho local Employers' Federation) stated yesterday that local manufacturers aro quite in accord with the agreement. In reference to tho rumour that a mooting of locnl manufacturers had been held and certain resolutions had boon passed, Mr. Grenfell said "I havo reason lo belicvo that, no meeting has been hold, and that no such resolutions havo been passed."