BUSINESSES TO CLOSE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19980, 4 July 1939, Page 4

BUSINESSES TO CLOSE

OVERSEAS’ AGENTS EFFECT OF RESTRICTIONS Some importers of British goods, who represent lines which have .been established for periods of up to GO years in the Dominion, are winding up their businesses, .because their agencies have 'become worthless through the effect of import restrictions, states an Auckland message. Importations of their lines have foeen totally eliminated in the second period of the year, which began on July 1, but, in ignorance of what was impending, they incurred heavy expense in the last few months soliciting orders they are now unable to fulfil. •Among those affected in this way is Mr. Walter B. Williams, indent and manufacturers’ agent, who states that he has already dismissed his staff of three and is winding up his business. He has been New Zealand representative for several overseas manufacturers for 15 years, but the agencies were in existence long before he took control.

Plans to abandon his Auckland business in August have been made by Mr. W. E. Cooper, representative af the well-known English firm of I. and R. Morley. manufacturers of underwear, hosiery, gloves, outerwear and men’s apparel. Tiie.se manufacturers were established 139 years ago, and the Auckland agency has been in existence for 25 to 30 years. Another agent for English footwear produced documentary evidence of a decision to abandon his 'business on November 30, because no further supplies can .be obtained. He has represented an English firm for 30 years in Auckland, and in the last few months, he states, has spent £IOO in travelling expenses alone, .booking orders that cannot now bt supplied. The footwear has been on the Dominion market for 45 years. Other instances were given of businesses in Auckland that are to be relinquished as the result of import restrictions.