THE PINCHING SHOE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3435, 15 March 1920, Page 8

THE PINCHING SHOE.

RISE NOT JUSTIFIED. l .‘-. Elaiitings Tribune reporter inter.l».wed several of the leading foet‘=:~~s.i- establishments in Napier last in regard ‘to the jump in the price of liicles and the effect that the increase will likely to have in the price of footwear. One merchant stated that it would be dishonourable on the part of any [H‘hOpl{Gepßi' to raise the price of present stocks, and that there could not possibly be any justification for any increases within the next six months. He further stated that the recent sales of hides should not affect present prices for some little time, as the hides would not be ready for manufacture. “People should not blame the manufacturer for the present increases," continued out informant. “They were doing their best. It is the tanner who is responsible for the soaring of pi-ices——not the manufacturer. I believe, personally there is a combine existing among the tanners. “No! You can believe me,’:' further strted the importer,” that there will be no further increases in the price ;of t'not\vear for at least six months, .but I when the new hides are ready .for manufacture, an increase can 'be ‘looked forward to. Children’s boots 3will advance 2/ a pair. ladies’ about 3/, and men's best boots about 10/. ‘ .-\nnthe,r importer said that the re»cent advance in the price of hides had caused a keen demand for foot.wear, and that his staff were kept busy in consequence. He had not advanced any of his lines, in fact he was selling certain‘ lines under present cost prices. Had the Government not allowed hides to leave New Zealand. this jump would not have taken place. At present there was no occasion to advance the prices of i footwear.