IMPORT CONTROL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 January 1939, Page 5

IMPORT CONTROL

DEPUTATION TO WAIT ON MINISTERS

FULL STATEMENT OF POLICY DESIRED. PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A decision to ,-ask the Associated Chambers of Commerce to arrange for an immediate and representative deputation to wait upon the Minister of Finance, Mr Nash, requesting a full public statement of the Government’s policy on the issue of import permits was made at a special meeting of the executive and importers’ committee of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce yesterday. The proceedings were not open to the Press. The president, Mr P. E. Pattrick, in an interview last night, said that various instances were cited indicating the serious losses and embarrassing situations resulting from the fact that the Government had not yet given any explanation of the policy which the regulations were intended to serve. It was generally felt that though early action by the chamber was essential to protect the interests of the general public, as well as those of the commercial section, from injustices and losses considered to be the inevitable consequence of the regulations, it would be helpful to all concerned to seek further information before taking

other steps. “Accordingly,” Mr Pattrick added, “the following motion was put and carried unanimously: ‘That this meeting, being greatly concerned regarding the lack of available information with respect to the policy that has actuated the recent legislation relative to the issue of import permits, asks the Associated Chambers of Commerce to arrange an immediate and representative deputation to the Minister to request him to make a full public statement as to the Government’s policy in the matter.’ ”

WORD OF APPROVAL. SIR W. CARPENTER’S OPINION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, January 9. ‘•Personally, I approve of it,” said Sir Walter Carpenter, managing director of W. R. Carpenter and Company, Island traders and shipping and airline owners, referring to the New Zealand import restrictions, when he arrived, as a through passenger in the Monterey today. “It is the safest way of controlling imports without offending other countries. If you place additional duties on imports you offend other countries and invite reprisals; but no one can blame you if you tell the world that New Zealand is importing too much and can't afford to pay for it. Then, if other countries want New Zealand trade, it is up to them to increase their imports from New Zealand so that she can afford to import more.” Sir Walter Carpenter is accompanied by Lady Carpenter and is- visiting the United States and England on shipping business.