TARIFF COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1933, Page 6

TARIFF COMMISSION

JAVANESE FOOTAYEAR EVIDENCE

(Per Pre ss Association-, Copyright),

AUCKLAN D, Augu s t- r 24

An investigation into the effect upon the liealtli of people of the wearing of Japanese rubber footwear was requested, by C. A, AVatts,.. secretary, of the New Zealand, Federated Boot Trade Industrial Association of AVork T ers, when giving, evidence before the Tariff .Commission. He said- the. introduction of machinery had brought about a displacement of. workers, ..and a stage., had been reached where- a .large number of, .highly-qualified operatives;,. were..out;.of employ,prent, : .‘.‘l am directed by my Association to ask that the Commission, recommend that an. investigation, he made. as .to the effect upon the health of . people that the, wearing of, this,, persp.iratio.nrcaus-i. ,'iug. rubber may have, feeling, as we do, that the stuff should be treated as being noxious, and its entry prohibited so far as this Dominion is concerned..” • •

Hr Craig, chairman of. the Commission.: “AYe . are concerned only witn duties. That is our order, of reference.''’

Professor Murphy: “Is this Japanese footwear, any, more deleterious than, other rubber footwear?” . Mr Watts.:’ -“No.. But : we have., this position—tha.t, youugppeaple are wearing this. fbdtweprri'iiD ?■;the,'. ustfeets, through force, of eircUmstauces. Thej have to buy. the cheapest, article, Continuous . wearing. of this footwear- must have, a deleterious ; effect, because rubber does. not rbteatheydihef leather. ’ ’