BOOTMAKERS OUT OF WORK.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1848, 6 September 1913, Page 5

BOOTMAKERS OUT OF WORK.

TELEGRAM TO PREMIER:. (By TelegrnpK—Press AEoodation.) Auckland, September 5. The secretary of the Auckland Operative Bootmakers' Union,' acting under instructions from his organisation, telegraphed to tho Prime Minister to-day stating that unemployment is rife in tho boot trade in Auckland. This, he stated, was duo to "importation of foreign Shoddy." It was added in tho telegram that "the Dominion is the dumping ground for boots and shoes containing paper and cardboard. We urge you to introduce legislation compelling manufacturers to brand goods stating of what they are made, thus protecting the public and providing work for all operatives engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes composed of solid leather " . •Tho Auckland members of Parliament ,!havo also been communicated with to tho following effect"We urge i,vou to redeem your promises at the Chamber of Commerce and have all boots and slioes branded showing of what tlicy are made." • Inquiries among employers produced divergent views, some supporting tho above statements, and others -saying that whilo tilings were rather quiet, the men had been steadily employed.