BOOTS FOR WORKLESS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 528, 11 May 1933, Page 6

BOOTS FOR WORKLESS

AUCKLAND FIRM ASKED TO TENDER BY BOARD • ) PROPOSAL CRITICISED Auckland, Wednesday. The Auckland boot manufacturers have been invited by the Unemployment Board to tender for the supply of 20,000 pairs of boots and shoes, comprising 5000 pairs of boys' boots, 5000 pairs of girls' shoes, and 10,000 pairs of men's boots. Strong objection to the proposal was voiced to-day by retailers and manufacturers, and the Retailers and Manufacturers' Associations and Chamber of Commerce are to be asked to take the matter up. "It is a touch of Soviet Russia," said one shopkeeper. "It is the thin end of the wedge, and will result in locking many of our doors." Another retailer said the principle could be extended, so that everythinig the people ate, wore or used would be supplied in the same way. It was understood that relief workers and their families would purchase the footwear at a few shillings a pair, and the main cost would be borne by the unemployment funds. The effect must necessarily be tho curtailment of staflfs in shops, ancl so more unemployment. One manufacturer said he was con • vinced that the principle was bac" The boots and shoes for which thboard wa§ inviting tenders were -th retailers' bread and butter lines. Another manufacturer said the manufacturers had been placed in a very awkward posdtion, for th'e boar , could go outside Auckland with it ; order. The position was very seriour and required much consideration. H suggested that it would be better for the Government to subsidise thc manufacturers to employ men.