CONTROL TO STAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 January 1939, Page 7

CONTROL TO STAND

(Continued from page 5.) It was not correct, the collector stated, that applications relating to any particular classes of goods were being referred to Wellington. The machinery existed at all local offices for dealing with all applications covering the present six-monthly period. However, those in which leave was sought for the importation of goods in the second half-year were sent to Wellington. These mostly covered seasonal commodities which normally were ordered early in the year. Mr Abercrombie, added that a number of traders who had previously ordered overseas goods through agents were now seeking licences to import similar goods on their own account. These applications were being carefully checked because there was much likelihood of duplication. ACTION BY IMPORTERS DECISION TO CALL NATIONAL CONFERENCE. POOL OF INFORMATION. Cpy Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 6. A national conference of importers to consider their position under the Government’s new regulations is to be called by the importers’ section of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. The importers’ executive met today and decided to take steps to hold a conference. It was also decided to call a public meeting of importers in Christchurch early next week. Meanwhile all importers are requested to contribute to a pool of information on the Customs Department decisions. Importers are not asked to disclose details of their business but simply to state 'the extent of the limitations on a percentage basis.

MEETING IN AUCKLAND.

AUCKLAND, January 6.

To protest against the import control restrictions, a general meeting of importers is to be held under the auspices of the Bureau of Importers on Tuesday. An endeavour is to be made to present information which in its cumulative aspect may furnish an indication of the basis on which the restrictions have been applied. LOCAL INDUSTRIES MANUFACTURERS TO CONFER. . MEETING ANTICIPATED NEW DEMANDS. WELLINGTON, This Day. An indication of the ability of New Zealand manufacturers to cope with me extra amount of business which may be expected to result from the imports licensing ’regulations, is being sought by the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation. , Various manufacturing groups in the Dominion are to hold meetings for the purpose of collating this information, and details of what is required, were given yesterday in a circular issued by the secretary of the federation, Mr M. R. O’Shea. “1 have now had discussions with the Imports Control Committee, and have completed arrangements for Dominion group discussions,” stated Mr O Shea. “The group representative should bring with him to Wellington the following information, together with a list of the firms present or represented at the meeting:— (11 -Present production of the group in respect of each of the major specific articles manufactured by the industry. (2) Present capacity as above. (3) A note of the extra labour which would. be employed under production to capacity, stating male or female —also ‘a statement re availability of the necessary labour.

“The following further information will, be required, but this will probably take time, and need further group meetings at a later date: —(4) Extra capacity within six months; cost of additional plant necessary; cost of extra raw materials; extra labour, male and female. (5) Extra capacity within 12 months; cost of additional plant necessary; cost of extra law materials; extra labour, male and female. (6) A statement regarding the availability of labour in respect of items 4 and 5 above.

“The committee will tell the group representatives of the amount of the import reductions for the next 12 months, which will affect that particular industry, and they will be required to report immediately on their return to the centre to a meeting of the local group.

“The local group will then, after discussion, advise the federation whether in their opinion, the industry can handle the extra amount of business which may be expected to accrue tc the industry through the import regulation. This will not necessarily be equivalent in amount to the cut in imports. The group will require tc give an assurance regarding ability tc supply quantity, quality and to keej the price from rising. It should state whether it considers the industry car handle the extra expected increase immediately or after what interval. I may state, alternatively, that it car handle a greater increase.

“Prompt action is necessary, as licences for the second six months o this year have not been finalised, anc group representations to the committee should be made before this finalisation is carried out.”