HIDES AND BOOTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 131, 27 February 1919, Page 5

HIDES AND BOOTS

THE STANDARD SCHEME. The reimpoaitiOn of the embargo on the export of hides except under licenee has been decided upon, according to'tho Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, in ordor that local tannere may have a measure of relief. Some time ago the Board of Trade arranged for the production of standard boots by New Zealand manufacturers. When tho scheme was almost in readiness for operation' the boot manufacturers raised the objection that they hod no protection in tho matter of leather prices. They were expected to pla«e boots of standard quality on the market at certain prices, 'and the cost of their raw material was advancing. They stated that they could not proceed further with the matter unless they were assured of leather supplies at reasonable prices. Hide 3 were advancing in value, and every penny per 11>, added to the cost of tho hides meant a greater' addition to the cost of the-leather and a still greater sum to be added to the cost of the boots, since waste in tanning and manufacture had to be provided for at the increased rate. To enable the boot manufacturers to procded with the "standard boot scheme, therefore,, steps are being taken to assure a satisfactory and reasonablypriced supply of hides.