LICENSES REFUSED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 243, 11 September 1940, Page 9

LICENSES REFUSED.

GAS AIASK lAIPGRTS

CONCERN AT AUCKLAND

Per Press Association

AUCKLAND, Sept. 10. Licenses to import approximately 500 gas respirators, anti-gas clothing, and spare materials for the emergency precautions scheme by the Auckland City Council have been refused an Auckland importer by the Customs Department

He made application for the licenses on July 29, immediately on receiving an order from the purchasing officer of the council, and lie then specified the reasons for which the respirators and other goods were required. On the same day he was advised by the Customs Department that the application had been submitted to the Controller of Customs in AVellington for consideration. ' Since then he has been advised by the department in Auckland that application to import goods had been considered and it was regretted that licenses could not be issued. No reason was given for the refusal to permit the importation. The respirators and clothing were required for traffic officers and actual Air Raid Precaution workBefore receiving the actual order from the council the importer communicated by cable on several occasions with his principals in Britain and was assured by them that a shipment would be made within three or four weeks of confirmation of Die order. It is understood that the City Council lias taken the matter up with the Government. The emergency precautions committee is' ordering a good deal of material, the use of some of which depends on there being respirators and gas-proof clothing available.