AVOID DELAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 12

AVOID DELAY.

IN IMPORT LICENSES. MAY AFFECT EMPLOYMENT. COMMERCE CHAMBER PROTEST. That delay in the issue of import licenses for the second half of the year might increase unemployment was the contention of Mr. J. A. C. Allum at to-day's meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce when moving a resolution that the Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. Xash, be requested to give instructions that would enable licenses to be issued without further delay. "Judging from Press reports, licenses for the importation of floods during the period from July 1 to December 31, 1 should have been issued by now," said Mr. Allum, "but it appears that the Customs Department is still without instructions." It seemed that licensee had been issued for so-called seasonal goods, he went on, and it was difficult to ascertain just what that meant. It was dear, however, that licenses ,had not l>eeii issued for goods required 5n the ordinary and regular course' of business, and, in fact, applicants had been informed by the Customs Department that no instructions had been received which enabled the applications to be considered. Shortage of Supplies? "Even when orders are cabled it takes an average of three to four months to get delivery from the United Kingdom," said Mr. Allum, "and as we are how at the end of March it is clear .-.that unless licenses are issued immediately there will be a period of shortage of supplies. Incidentally, merchants should not be put to the expense of cabling—a procedure Which could be avoided by reasonable foresight on the part of tiie authorities. "It must be remembered that current licenses are not valid after June 30, and any further delay in issuing licenses for the second half of the year will lengthen the period of shortage, with consequent hardship to everyone." When the delay in issuing licenses for the first half of the year wo* recalled, he it would be remembered that final decisions in the case of some applications had not been given even yet. Apprehension Caused. With that example the delay in dealing with licenses for the second half of the year must cause apprehension. One of the most important matters.at the present time was to maintain and improve the employment position and this could only l>e done if there was a steady flow of supplies to the factories and warehouses. Therefore the question of import licenses should be most strongly represented to the Minister. In answer to a question by Mr. A. G. Lunn, who seconded the motion, Mr. Allum added that he had not framed the motion without the fullest inquiry. Mr.. Lunn agreed that there was grave danger of further unemployment in the present circumstances.- ' After further discussion ;the motion was carried. . .