IN CONFERENCE.

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

IN CONFERENCE.

MINISTER EXPLAINS.

FURTHER REQUEST SENT.

IMPORTERS AND LICENSES.

A telegram was received by the president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Mr. A. Ely, this morning from the Minister of Finance and Customs, the Hon. W. Nash, which stated: "I have had three conferences duning the past two* days, firstly, with the United Kingdom Manufacturers and Agents' Association, secondly, with the Importers' Federation, and, thirdly, with the chairman of the Hureau of Importers, and have fully explained all procedures in connection with the import regulations. If further information is required I shall be pleased to supply it on request."'

Mr. Ely later sent the following telegram to the Minister: "T appreciate your telegram. The important requirements tfre tlie immediate granting or otherwise of licenses where applications have been lodged, and also general information regarding the classes of "Imports to be restricted, and from what countries, if anv."

A member of the importers' section of the chamber stated that a delay in the issue of licenses at this stage would "mean holding- up trade for at least a month from the date the new regulations were issued as business was always at a standstill Christmas until the second week in January. Indentors and others could not long continue, in face of the existing uncertainty, to spend large sums in maintaining travellers on the road. The travellers were the key to all importing business. Therefore the whole fabric of commerce and the employment of staffs was affected. If the travellers were withdrawn indenting firms would have to close down.