IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 May 1939, Page 5

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

EFFECT ON GROCERY LINES. ! TINNED FISH AND OTHER GOODS. Although importations of tinned fish have been prohibited by the Government, under the import regulations’, for the period from July to i December there is no shortage of supplies in Maslerton. One or two grocers report a slightly increased demand for these lines, but there appear to be < ample stocks on hand to meet all trade , requirements for at least two or three , months. ‘in view of the likelihood of a shortage later in the year, when during the warmer weather tinned fish is in greater demand, some merchants have adopted a rationing system in meeting orders, as it is their desire that supplies should be made available to all their customers rather than that they should be absorbed by one or two traders. Although importations of these lines have been prohibited meantime, it is quite possible that further imports will be allowed in the succeeding sixmonthly period. Only limited quantities of mullet, whitebait and crayfish are tinned in New Zealand and it is unlikely that the 'authorities will permanently deny New Zealanders access to supplies of salmon, sardines, etc. Several other grocers’ lines are also affected by the import restrictions, notably sauces, condiments, etc. which are manufactured in England and some popular breakfast foods, which will no. longer be obtainable. The manager of one large Masterto.n I grocery business said that as far as his firm was concerned things were, quite normal. One or two people were buying a few extra goods, he said, but that was rather a stupid policy as if people continued to buy normally it would be better for everyone. Although restrictions had been placed on English sauces and other similar lines it did not af- ' feet the position greatly as most of the sauces and allied goods sold in New ' Zealand were produced in the Domin- ’ ion and these were lines which had not “ increased in price. Referring to tinned 1 fish, he stated that this was a delicacy : which people could quite easily do ' without. Some people had alleged that traders were exploiting the position, but as far as his firm was concerned there had been increases in prices in odd lines only and certainly there had been no exploitation. The belief is expressed in some quarters that the whole position will right itself before many months are over - and that in the meantime, if normal - trading continues, the supplies on hand will be sufficient to meet requirements.