SERIOUS POSITION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 March 1940, Page 5

SERIOUS POSITION

FAILURE TO ISSUE IMPORT LICENCES STRONG COMPLAINT MADE IN AUCKLAND. DIRECT REPRESENTATIONS TO MINISTER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. AUCKLAND, February 29. A decision to send a telegram to the Minister of Customs. Mr Nash, pointing out the very serious position that ■had arisen, through some import licences for the third period not having been issued, though two months of the period had already elapsed, was reached at a meeting -of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. “The matter is becoming ridiculous.” said Mr J. A. C. Allum, who stated that in spite of denials he knew of specific instances where goods were piling up on the wharves and the consignees could not obtain possession because the third period licences had still not been issued. “Certain representations have been made to me which show that the position is extraordinarily serious,” Mr Allum added. “It is past any question of criticism or argument. There are the facts and they were shown to me to be correct as late as this morning.” Meanwhile, Allum said, there was an urgent call for orders to be placed for fourth period importations, but there was still no word of when a start would be made with the issuing of these licences. Most of the third period licences outstanding were for schedule goods, raw materials, and essential supplies. The secretary. Dr P. Neale, read a letter from the Associated Chambers of Commerce setting out the representations that had already been made on the matter and detailing the various processes through which the schedule of applications passed before licences were issued. In view of the urgency of the matter it was deciced to make representations direct to the Minister by telegram.