THE BOOT TRADE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 80, 27 November 1912, Page 8

THE BOOT TRADE.

THE COMING CONFERENCE

(Per Press Association.) Christchurch, November 26

In view of the conference convened by the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, Minister of Customs, to be held early in January to consider the readjustment of the tariff on boots and shoes, a representative meeting of importers and retailers was held last evening, wher the following resolutions were passed; “That this meeting, representative oi the boot and shoe retailers and importers of Christchurch, urge their representatives at the conference to be convened by the Minister of Customs to oppose any increase in the existing tariff, and recommends that all footwear that cannot be profitably manufactured in the Dominion be imported duty free, or at most to bear a 5 per cent revenue tax, including men’s, women’s, and children’s slippers, with uppers of any material other than leather, with or without heels, evening shoes with top or wood heels, goloshes, plimsolls, gum hoots, anti all other rubber shoes, buckskin boots and shoes with leather, rubber, mercury or chrome soles, and all children’s footwear up to size 1 (inclusive). (2) That we oppose the injustice of the existing specific duty on all footwear, and in the best interests of the public generally strongly recommend its removal, particularly from such lines as men’s and women’s leather slippers, evening and ward shoes, with or without straps. (3) In support of the foregoing resolutions, this meeting would respectfully direct attention to the following facts: (a) The Cost of Living Commission recommended that the existing tariff be reduced; (b) that Wellington operatives have instructed their delegates at the forthcoming conference to oppose any further increase in the tariff; (o) that owing to the high standard of living; adopted in this Dominion and the constant change of fashion demanded, wo consider it impossible for New Zealand manufacturers to cope with any increased output, owing to the scarcity 7 of skilled labour, both male and female, and we see no prospect of this shortage being combated,' due to the _ favourable conditions of operatives in other countries, and the youth of the Dominion not following up the trade.