MILITABY SERVICE BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1917, Page 2

MILITABY SERVICE BOARD.

THE BOOT TRADE EXEMPTIONS.

By Telegraph.-Press Association.

T), *n- t April 13. ine Military Service Board, at the request of the Defence Department, granted the rehearing of the appeal of George Thomas Bogers, boot importer employed by Adam Moore, Ltd., who was granted an extension of time to show that the boot trade could release more men of the First Division for active service. Major Conlon said it was evident that one big firm could handle all the military boot work in New Zealand and he was going t 0 suggest, on instructions received, that there were eligible men doing private work for employers' who couTJ very well be spared. A lot of high-priced and unnecessary boots were being manufactured for women, to the disadvantage of the military authorities. Never before had there been such extravagance, especially in women's footgear, owinw to the shortness of skirts. It could bl shown that, boots for this purpose were being made costing £3 10s and more. Evidence was given by a leading boot manufacturer that no boot operators belonging to the First Division were indispensable, as others could easily be taught to fill their places. He had' previously employed the man whose case was under review, and bad no difficulty in teaching an apprentice, who was doing the work satisfactorily. The board regretted its previous decision, but. did not reverse it, as the extension of time granted to appellant would expxire this month.,