BOOTS AND LEATHER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 280, 22 August 1919, Page 6

BOOTS AND LEATHER

CONFUSION IN THE TRADE. Tho outrageous increase in the price of footwear within tho last few months is additional evidence of the need for tho Federal or State Ministry to cssume effective control of prices for the protection of the public (says tie Melbourne ''Age" of recent date). Even the rougher makes of footwear which the poorer classes in tho community are compelled to use have been advanced in price beyond all reason. Workmen's boots, for example, which a few years since could bo obtained for about 12s. Cd., have been advanced in price to 20s. a pair. And wliilo the soundness of not a. little of the leather used in the footwear does not compare with the liner article of a few years ago, the charge for repairs has been forced up unjustifiably. Tho confusion in the leather trade since the removal of Government control is emphasised by a well-known tanner. Ho states that from the standpoint of the tanning trade tho position has developed during the last three weeks, and has now become intolerable. He asserts that since tho blockade has been lifted America has established credits in Germany, and from what lie can gather is practically .the only nation that is filling leather requirements there, lie understands that Americans are receiving 4s. per lb. for' their sole leather. As this means enormous rises on prices hitherto existing, with practical freedom from competition, Americans are enabled to come out here and sseuro Australian bides at a price which it is impossible for tho Australian tanner to follow, as ho has not the same outlook for his leather. To-day American hide buyers in Australia are giving almcst as much for hides as the Australian tanner was getting previously for his lfother, and this .must be disastrous to the tanner, who has to follow these enormous prices. The tanner, he argues, must pass this price on to the boot manufacturer and allied leather industries, which will liave tho effect of increasing prices of boots, etc., enormously. The last quotation for domestic hides in. Groat Britain, where they are controlled by the Government and not permitted to be exported, was 12d„ as against American purchases here at 203 d. The anomaly, unless rectified by the Federal Government, must inevitably mean, this tanner states, tho wiping out of tlio Australian tanning industry. ' -