SHOCKS FOR IMPORTERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 95, 24 April 1939, Page 9

SHOCKS FOR IMPORTERS

Many Prohibitions FURTHER GUTS ANNOUNCED Second Half Year Consternation has been caused in importing circles in Auckland and other parts of New Zealand as a result of the greatly increased restrictions and numerous prohibitions to be imposed on imports during the second half of this year, under the schedule announced by the Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. Nash. The general basis of the restrictions is to give preference to goods from the United Kingdom and Crown colonies. Other British countries make up an intermediate group, and the restrictions are heaviest on foreign countries. In many instances, however, complete prohibition is imposed. Where partial restriction is imposed on goods from the United Kingdom, the restriction in the other two groups of countries is, in a considerable number of instances, 100 per cent. This morning Auckland importers were trying to ascertain what would be the effect of the added cut on imports. The fear was expressed that there would be severe repercussions, as many articles in ordinary use would be unprocurable and lessened business would cause increased unemployment. There are many items included in the list in which partial restriction is imposed, and the feature is that preference is given to the United Kingdom. The position in regard to other Empire countries and foreign countries is that the restrictions generally are the same in both groups. Details will be found in the double column table on this page.