IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 149, 20 March 1939, Page 13

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

Effect On Power Board Business

By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. HASTINGS, March 18. The effect of the import restrictions on the business of tjie Central Hawke’s Bay Electric Bower Board was discussed at a meeting today in Waipukurau when, it was decided to make a protest to the Minister of Customs, Mr. Nash. The position so far as the trading stocks were concerned was now somewhat more defined, said the secretary-manager, Air. G. E. Fowler. An indication of the effect licensing was likely to have on power board business might be gauged from the following: Imports of electric’ ranges were down by about 55 per cent, and refrigerators clown bj' 40 per cent. American washing machines were totally excluded, anfl Canadian were down by 33 1-3 per cent. Food mixers were totally excluded. British vacuum cleaners were down by 25 per cent, and others excluded. German table lamps were allowed 65 per cent, of previous trade, and German glassware was allowed 35 per cent. Australian table lamps, irons and toasters were allowed 10 per cent., but one manufacturer refused to transact such small business. Cast base enamel and aluminium ware for use on hotplates was almost totally excluded, and radiators were down by 25 per ce_nt. or more. The position was much the same with regard to essential equipment, he continued. For instance, some high tension insulators were barred. One member said he was unable to understand, from the patriotic viewpoint, why 65 per cent, of German table lamps should be admitted and only 10 per cent, of Australian.

A letter was read from the Central Waikato Electric Power Board asking support for a resolution urging the Government to relax the restrictions on British electrical goods till the New Zealand manufacturers were able to cope with the demand.