CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR

Southland Times, Issue 18837, 2 June 1920, Page 5

CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR

REMOVAL OF DUTY ADVOCATED

RESOLUTION BY TOE TOWN COUNCIL.

The removal of Iho duty on children’s footwear was discussed by the Town Council at last night's meeting, when a letter from the Hawera Borough Council was read, covering the following resolution:— ‘‘That with a view to affording some measure of relief to the parents of families during the present abnormal times, and taking into consideration the fact that New Zealand manufacturers are unable to cope with the demands for adult footwear, the Government he tequestcd to immediately lake steps to remove the duty on children’s footwear.’’ The letter stated that the removal of the duty would mean a reduction of fid per pair and an additional 15 per cent.

In speaking to the letter. Councillor Stevenson said that there appear to be no desire on the part, of the New Zealand manufacturer to make children’s footwear, and the position had now reached a serious point. The prices would soon reach 20/to 21/- per pair for children’s footwear.

Councillor McDonald said that the output of children’s boots had gradually declined in New Zealand during the last ten years, and the manufacturers in Australia had saved the position in New Zealand with regard to children's footwear. He was of the opinion that the removal of the duty would do a considerable amount of good. The Government might do something in the way of subsidising New Zealand factories to manufacture children’s footwear. If the Government was not. prepared to subsidise the factories the duty should be removed, allowing the Australian manufacturers to supply the market. The Mayor said the Government, should make it compulsory for all hoot manufacturers to manufacture a certain percentage of their output in children’s boots. A resolution was carried supporting the Hawera Borough Council’s motion.