THE BOOT TRADE

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1608, 27 November 1912, Page 6

THE BOOT TRADE

OPPOSITION TO INCREASE IN ' TARIFF. (By Teloffraph.—Press Association.! Christcliurch, November 26. ' In view of the conference convened by tho Hon. F. if. B. (Minister for Customs), to be held early in January, to consider the readjustment of the tariff on boots and shoes, a representative meeting of importers and retailers was' hold last evening, when' the following resolutions were passed:—• "(1) That this meeting, representative of the boot and shoe retailers and importers of Christchurchj urge their representatives at tho conference to be convened by the Minister for Customs, to oppose any increase in the existing tariff, and recommend that all footwear that cannot be profitably manufactured in the Dominion be admitted duty free, or, at most, to bear a 5 per cent, revenue tax, including' men's, women's, and children's slippers, with uppers of any lhatorial other than leather, with or without heels; evening shoes with top . piece - or wood heels; goloshes, plimsolls,.! gum-boots, and all other rubber shoes; buckskin boots, and shoes with leather, rubber, mercury, or chrome soles; and all _ children's footwear up to size one (inclusive). "(2) That we oppose the injustice of the. existing specific duty on all footwear, and' in the'best interests of the public generally, strongly recommend its removal, particularly from such lines as men's aiid women's leather slippers, evening and ward shoes, with or without straps. '• "(3) In support of the foregoing resolutions, this meeting ; would respectfully direct attention to the following fact:— (a) That the Cost of Living Commission recommended that the existing tariff be reduced; (b) that the Wellington operatives have instructed their delegates at the forthcoming conference to oppose any further increase in the tariff; (o) that owing to tlib high standard of living adopted ..in this Dominion, and the constant oliange of fashion demanded, we Consider it impossible for New Zealand manufacturers to cope with any increased output owing to scarcity of skilled labour both male and female, and we see no prospect of this shortage being combated, due to favourable conditions of operatives in other countries, and tho youth of the Dominion not following up the trade."