CONTROL OF IMPORTS

Chronicle (Levin), 21 May 1948, Page 4

CONTROL OF IMPORTS

Press AssaciationJ

Grave Situation Said To Be Arising :.j

(Per

' . AUCKLAND, May 20. "I do not think the uovernment realises how grave a situation is arismg"/5 the president, Mr. J. U. Joiiiiston, during a discussion on import control at a meeting of the Auckland Gha'mber of Commerce. The situation had now reached such proportions that the seriousness "of the position must somehow be impressed upon the, Goveriiment. ' ' There is scarcely an importer ' in New Zealand with any lieence allocations left in spite of the fact that only four and a-half months of 19,48 have passed," said Mr. Johnston. am told that 1948 lieences are exhansted and trade generally is coming to a standstill. There does not appear to be any administrative provision for the importation of urgently needed essentials and such a sense of frustration is in evidence that many merchants consider it is a waste of time, and paper to ajpply for import lieences. Turnover must fall away steeply in the later months of'the year."

The eurtailment in imports refiec'ted a request made by. the British (toverninefit that New Zealand should live within her current ineome and not encroach on her present large sterling reserves, he said. It was obvious that the volunie of New Zealand 's imports would be totally inadequate and representations should be made to Britain seeking some modifieation so that the Dominion's overseas spending could be reviewed in line -witli her essential requirements. £1 feel certain that the United Kingdom does not want to se.e New Zealand in a state of eeonomic chaos," continued Mr. Johnston. "Power politics have plaeed Britain in such a position that her request for us to live within our income arises as a condition of the Marshali aid plan." The Chaniber decided to convene a meeting for next Tuesday, of its import and export seetions, the Bureau of Importers and the Auckland Manufacturers' Association, to discuss and formulate questions for presentation to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Nash, when he visits Auckland next Thursday.