SUPPLIES OF BOARD

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 110, 15 January 1940, Page 5

SUPPLIES OF BOARD

IMPORTERS WORRIED HARDSHIP TO FIRMS The friction which has arisen between the WhaUatane Paper Mills and the Government has aroused the concern of the Bureau of Importers, according to a statement made on Friday morning. "Whilst Ave do not wish, or intend, to become involved in what appears to be a difference of opinion between the chairman of directors of the Whakatanc Paper Mills and the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Ave nevertheless do vieAvwith concern the position AA'hich has arisen," stated Mr W. A. Boucher, president of the bureau. "Paper board is a prohibited import," he added, "and in vicav of tliis it Avas not unreasonable to expect that the Whakatanc Paper Mills Avould have maintained adequate supplies for local requirements. The difficulties which haA T c iioav come about folloAving the negotiations Avith the Price Investigation Tribunal have resulted in a stoppage of supplies, and this is causing considerable hardship to very many firms to-day. "We appi-eciate the company's objection to secret reports and secret committees, as importers haA'e had very bitter experiences ol their operations. The idea of condemning man Avithout a fair and open trial is contrary to the basic principles of British justice, and for this reason Ave support the Whakatanc Paper Mills' attempt to secure a public inquiry. In the event of this being granted Ave Avould suggest that the inquiry broaden its scope to include business firms and indiA r iduals avlio have met Avith similar treatment to that which has been meted out to Mr Horrocks by GoA r crnment officials."