Complaint By Importers

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31082, 10 June 1966, Page 1

Complaint By Importers

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 9. Christmas shoppers in New Zealand will find a poor selection of British goods if the shipping strike is not settled within the 10 days. Mr T. M. Ashby, president of the Bureau of Importers, said today that overseas goods must reach the country in September for them to be in the shops by the end of November. "I would say that if the

strike continues for more than 10 days, there is every possibility that we will not be able to handle the goods quickly enough to have them in the shops in time for Christmas.” The Auckland assembly plant of Dominion Motors, Ltd., does not at present face any shortage of completely-knocked-down imported car parts. However, the plant depended to a considerable extent on local suppliers using imported raw materials for their products. If their materials ran out because of the strike, car production would be affected. While 1500 Auckland water-

side workers have reaffirmed their support of the British seamen’s claims, the union president, Mr E. Isbey, said later that the meeting had made no decision on what action would be taken in the event of the men being called upon to boycott British ships. He said no call had been received at this stage.