YEAR’S SHOE NEEDS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 65, 3 August 1938, Page 1

YEAR’S SHOE NEEDS

MADIJ JLX SIX MONTHS MELBOURNE, July 22—The president oi the Victorian Boot stud Shoe Manufactuiers’ Association, -Mr George Salfinger, giving evidence in the Arbitration Court to-day in aii application for a variation of the hoot and shoe trade award, said that the industry in Australia, was not in a position to employ its workers ior oO weeks in a year, and would not be unless it eoiuld obtain a wider market lor its products. Manufacturers in . Australia • and New Zealand were able, with the machinery installed, to produce in six months all the footwear required iqr a. year, he added.

.Most Australian manufacturers used British machinery, which was rented to them, on a royalty basis of so much a pair of shoes produced, said Mr Salfinger. The, manufacturers of the shoe machinery delivered' the machinery to the factory floor free, except for the cost of -freight and customs tariff. The employers are seeking permission to increase the proportion of female juniors and apprentices and other variations of the award.