CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2148, 6 July 1920, Page 3

CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR.

MINISTER'S REPLY REGARDING

DUTY,

At a meeting of the Manawatu County Council on Saturday the following letter was -received from Sir IV. 11. llerrios,"' Minister of Customs: —“I am in receipt of your memo supporting a resolution adopted by the Hawera Borough Council urging that, with a view to affording some measure of relief to the parents of families during the present abnormal times, the Government should take the necessary steps to remove Ijie duty on children’s footwear. In reply, I have to inform you that children's boots and shoes, sizes o—o0 —0 (inclusive), if of; British make, are admitted free of duty except 1 per cent, primage, and if of foreign, manufacture- are liable to a duty of 10 per cent., plus 1 per cent. Girls’ and boys’ boots and shoes, sizes 7 —l (inclusive), arc dutiable at fid the pair and 15 per cent, plus 1 per cent, primage, equal to 10 per cent, advalorem if of British make; and at 9d the pair and 224 per cent; plus 1 per cent., equal to 23|* per cent., if of foreign make.

“These duties cannot be altered without an amendment of the law. The question of placing girls’ and boys’ boots and shoes on the free list will x’eeeive careful consideration when the tariff schedules are under review.”

Another letter was received from the Prime Minister (Mr W. F. Massey) stating that the representations on the subject had been noted, arid would receive careful consideration. Mr E. Newman, M.P., also wrote,' intimating that the matter would receive his support.