CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 7 July 1920, Page 4

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. H. Harries, Minister of Customs:—“l 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 neecssury steps to remove the duty on children’s footwear. In reply I have to inform you that children’s boots and shoes, ,-izes O—G (inclusive); if of British make, arc admitted free of duty except 1 per cent jirimage, 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) are dutiable at fid the pair and 15 per cent plus 1 por cent primage, equul to 10 per cent ad valorem if of British make; and at Dd the pair and 22i per cent plus 1 per cent, equal to 23J por cent if of forcigu make. “These duties cannot be altered without amendment of the law. Tho question of placing girls’ and boys’ boots and shoes on tho free list will receive careful consideration when tho tariff schedules are under review.’’ Another letter was received from the Prime Minister (Mr IV. F. Massey) stating that the representations oil tho subject had been noted, and would receive careful consideration. Mr E. Newman, M.P., also wrote intimating that the matter would receive his support.