URGENT ORDERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 197, 22 August 1939, Page 11

URGENT ORDERS.

MERCHANTS' APPEAL.

GOODS FOR NEXT YEAR.

EARLY DECISION PROMISED.

Owing to uncertainty regarding the issue of import licences in the first half of 1940, the Bureau of Importers, Auckland, has made urgent representations to the Government. It is emphasised that an early decision should be reached and a definite statement made for the guidance of merchants and indentors in planning future business.

A telegram sent by the bureau to the acting-Minister of Customs, the Hon. H. (I. I'. Mason, is as follows: "Owing to the necessity for placing orders for seasonal yoods, and also for giving overseas exporters • adequate notice to manufacture, our members are anxious to know urgently when licence* will be issued for the first half of 1940, and also to know when application for licenses should be made."

The -Minister lias replied to the bureau that he in unable at the present time to advise when licensee will be issued for the next licensing period, but the question is receiving consideration, with a view to a decision as early as possible.

"The commercial community feels that tile Government should do everything in its power to remove the uncertainty which exists," said Mr. W. A. Boucher, president of the bureau, to-day. "While the present position continues arrangements for continuity of trade are almost CO m p leteTv paralysed. Manufacturers in t lie United Kingdom are unable to entertain orders from New Zealand importers and distributors, and the trade interests of the Dominion are in jeopardy."

Contrary to the position earlier in the year, he added, the Government had not yet taken any step to issue licenses for eeasonal or urgent goods to be imported early in the next licensing period, and the position had not been met by the extension of second period licenses into 1940.