EXPORT OF HIDES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 249, 21 October 1935, Page 3

EXPORT OF HIDES.

QUESTION OF REGULATIONS.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER. It is quite wrong to assume that the Government is now framing regulations for the grading of hides and skins for export, according to advice which has been received by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce from the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. R. Masters. "It is evident that a misunderstanding has arisen as to the present attitude of the Department and the Department of Agriculture in regard to the grading of hides and skins for export," states the Minister. "The actual position is that complaints have been made by a number of importers of New Zealand hides regarding their quality, with particular reference to flay, irregular classification, brand marks, horn marks and barb-wire scratches.

"Consequently the matter has been given consideration and . information regarding grading and export regulations as they operate in other exporting countries has been collected. It is naturally desirable that this portion of our export trade should be placed on as sound a basis as is possible in order to ensure the best returns to all concerned, but it is quite wrong to assume that the Government is now framing regulations with the intention of shortly bringing them into operation. Before such a step is taken all those commercially interested will be given the opportunity of discussing them and will be asked to offer suggestions for the guidance of the Government.

"In the meantime the Departments are conferring with a few of the largest exporters with the obiect of endeavouring to determine a ./basis upon which tentative proposals will be subsequently submitted to all those interested."