TRADE HINDRANCES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 130, 5 June 1933, Page 8

TRADE HINDRANCES.

TOO MANY CERTIFICATES. WORLD CONFERENCE QUESTION. A strong protest against such petty hindrances to trade as arc imposed by the demands of governments for certificates describing exported and imported goods was voiced by members of the council of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce at their last meeting. It was decided to take, immediate action through the Associated Chambers ol Commerce to acquaint the New Zealand delegation to the World Economic Conference with the extent of these hindrances to the transfer of goods from one part of the world to another. Mr. H. S. E. Turner drew attention to tlte large number of certificates that were required of exporters of meat and kindred produce: —

(1) Foreign export certificate. (2) Ollicial meat inspection certificate. (:j) "Passed for export" certificate. (4) "Imperial preference" certificate of origin of goods. (r>) Certificate of origin of containers. "This is adding new terrom to btii-i----ness," complained Mr. Turner. "Practically all these certificates, if they are required, could be embodied in one. It seems to be carrying red tape altogether .too far, and I think we should look for relief through the amalgamation of the certificates. Our Exporters' Committee might investigate the matter and make representations to the Government and the British Trade Commissioner asking for this relief."

Mr. W. Machin proposed that tlie Exporters'. Committee' should quickly examine the matter, that it should be referred quickly to the Associated Chambers, and that a cablegram should be sent away to London asking for the whole question to bo investigated and a report presented to the World Economic Conference on the hindrances to transferring goods from one part of the world to another and the enormous cost in time and trouble involved.

"The importers have just as bitter a song," added Mr. Machin. "I happen to be in both classes. On this sales tax, if you saw the reams and reams of stuff wo have to lill 111 before we can accept our own goods and put them 011 our shelves, you would realise what an egregious pass things have come to."

The Government seemed to bo concentrating 011 the business community for its income, yet by so doing it was steadily restricting the source.

Mr. Macliin's proposal was adopted, and lie himself was added to the Exporters' Committee.