BOOT AND SHOE INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1931, Page 3

BOOT AND SHOE INDUSTRY

WASTAGE OF TRAINED OPERATIVES.

WELLINGTON, Alay 19

In tbe course of a report on the boot and shoe making industry in New Zeu. land which has been compiled lor the Prime Minister by some leading authorities connected with this work, it is stated that there is a great lack of technical knowledge of the materials they use, among the operatives in New Zealand. “At present there are no means by which this technical knowledge can be s obtained. The present position is that boot-making is not a full-time, occupation for all operatives. As a result there is wastage of trained operatives which is not capable ol being replaced by the apprenticeship system. In a normal busy season tindemand for ‘key’ operatives exceeds the supply. This position hinders fulfilment of orders, resulting in orders being placed overseas. “When a designer or skilled era tsnian is required,” continues the report “it is generally the case that a person is brought to New Zealand to fill the position. With some means of technical education or training, these lucrative posts would he available to locally trained men. This would provide a future outlet for some of the youths leaving schools, an outlet at present closed to them.”

The opinion is also expressed in the report that a thorough investigation of the present methods of marketing is desirable. “In some cases very high selling charges exist, and there is a great discrepancy between the wholesale and retail prices.”