RESTRICTED IMPORTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 29, 14 November 1939, Page 3

RESTRICTED IMPORTS.

SHOP ASSISTANTS CONCERNED. AMENDMENT ADVOCATED. (Per Press Association). HAMILTON, November 13. That the concern felt by employers over the effect of the import restrictions is shared by their employees was demonstrated in Hamilton to-day when more than 40 employees' of Hamilton business firms met to formulate a plan of campaign to endeavour to persuade the Government to have the import regulations amended. At the meeting the Hamilton Shop and arrangements were made to hold a mass meeting of assistants in Hamilton on November 20. Criticism was voiced of the inactivity of the Shop Assistants’ Union in not bringing before the notice of the Government the seriousness of the present •position. “We are in accord. There must be some easing of the import restrictions if we are going to retain our employment,” said the chairman (Mr A. N. Kirk). “I do not think it would be of any use to take action on our own; but we can combine with similar organisations in other centres to approach the Government. We do not want action on our part to seem as if it were inspired by 7 the employers. We are working for the relief of employees, who will probably need assistance more than the employers.” Mr D. S. George said all assistants were aware of the acute position in regard to stocks. It was probable that these would liold out for Christmas, but after that there would be little or nothing on the shelves. He said that if anything were done it should be done immediately.