ACTION NEEDED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 295, 14 December 1938, Page 12

ACTION NEEDED.

FUTURE IMPORTS.

LICENSING HOLD-UP.

APPREHENSION ABROAD.

GOVERNMENT UNPREPARED.

Delay in the inauguration of a clearcut plan for the transfer of exchange funds through the trading banks is caus-

ing serious concern to importers in Auckland. Equally disturbing is the hold-up in the issue of import licenses. Owing to the paucity of information, importers are unable to give definite replies to traders overseas, from whom cablegrams are being continuously received asking for instructions in connection with orders for shipment to New Zealand.

"The unpreparedness of the Government to deal wit'll the situation which was precipitated by its action in taking complete control of trade, and its failure to clarify the position promptly has had a very had effect on New Zealand's reputation abroad," said Mr. Hugh Thomson, president of the Auckland Importers' Association, to-day. "tallies received from many sources convey the impression that the nature and purpose of the Government's regulations is obscurely understood. With the position in regard to exchange still indefinite and uncertain, it is impossible for the business community to alleviate the apprehension of overseas suppliers. In consequence, the Dominion's good name has sntrered greatly, and the damage done may take a long while to live down."

Urgent Representations. Mr. Thomson said that, while the importers realised the necessity for action to preserve the Dominion's exchange funds in London, they considered the complete interruption in normal trade activities unnecessary and unwarranted. They therefore called upon the Government to clarify the position without further delay so that they could operate and carry on their businesses.

Urgent representations were being made by the New Zealahd Importers' Federation to the Minister of Finance and Customs, the Hon. W. Nash, he concluded, following a conference held in Wellington yesterday.

Efforts are also being made by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce to overcome the present dislocation of business. Following a meeting of the section of the chamber yesterday afternoon. the president, Mr. A. Ely. cent the following telegram to Mr. Nash: "The commercial community is deeply perturbed at the jrrave uncertainty due to the lack of. information regarding the direction of import restrictions. Manufacturers and principals abroad are holding up shipments. Unless the position is clarified promptly it is feared that etaffs of importing houses will be reduced." - - -

A request was also made by Mr. Ely to the Comptroller of Customs. Wellington, pointing out that business firjnfc were experiencing difficulty in supplying by December 15 schedules of uncompleted orders lodgpd before December 5. This \ i f r a«s due to the Christmas rush of tirade. He asked that the date of supplying proof of orders should be .extended to the end of the month.

P Tlie position generally will be further considered at a meeting of the council of the chamber to-morrow morning.