FOOTWEAR STOCKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26630, 28 November 1947, Page 4

FOOTWEAR STOCKS

NO IMPROVEMENT SHORTAGES IN UTILITY LINES Denying reports from the north that there is likely to be a big improvement in the supply of women’s and children’s shoes next year, footwear retailers in Dunedin yesterday stated that they could see little hope of much change in the supply position for some time to come. There was nothing to justify, they said, a statement made in Christchurch that “utility type” shoes for women and children would soon be available in sufficient quantities to relieve the present shortage. “ There is still a large unsatisfied demand for women’s utility shoes,” a member of the trade said, “and I cannot see that an improvement will place in 1948. Even if licences are granted for importing these shoes and children's lines, it is doubtful if we can get many from overseas. There appears to be a' big shortage of footwear in Britain, and only a very small proportion of the shoes manufactured can be exported. The Board of Trade fixes this percentage, and New Zealand’s share will be small.” Another retailer stated that New Zealand manufacturers would also find it difficult to maintain supplies next year, and he could not see their output increasing. There was still a shortage of women’s, men’s, and children’s footwear of good wearing quality, and it was not likely to be overcome for some time.