BOOT SHORTAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 March 1920, Page 2

BOOT SHORTAGE.

MANUFACTURERS' OT^ICULTIES.

A New Zealand firm of manufacturing bootmakers with branches in various parts of New Zealand, finds itself almost at a dead-end with regard to obtaining adequate supplies of stock. It is impossible to increase the output of the New Zealand factory owing to the i necessary labour not being available. English manufacturers are not in a position to accept orders, although small lots have been placed with certain Homo manufacturers, who have promised to send the goods if they possibly can. Such houses as Branch and Son and Bostock and Co., absolutely decline to take any overseas business at present. The American market is out of the question, owing to high prices, and the adverse rate of exchange. A representative of the firm visited Australia for two months, and after considerable trouble succeeded in placing substantial orders, but there is no guarantee that they will be executed. The Australian i manufacturers would not accept orders I for the full quantities wanted, and cut ■ down the firm's requirements oy half. 1 The Australian prices are all up from , 40 to 50 per cent, as compared with , previous orders placed and delivered- ' The outlook is anything but promising.