SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIALS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25328, 30 October 1947, Page 8

SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIALS

REVIEW BY MR CLINKARD (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 28 Supply prospects for some raw mater, ials were such that it might even be necessary to go back to some form of Government control of distribution of them said the secretary of lhe Department of Industries and Commerce (MY G. W Clinkard) in an address on supply prospects for 1948 to the annual meeting of The Wellington Manufacturers’ Association. Such control, though not desired by the department, might prove necessary where goods involved were used for both essential and non-essential purposes. Mr Clinkard reviewed the supply problem in the various fields as follows: Steel: the position showed very little sign of a great improvement. The department had hunted the world for wire of all kinds and was perpetually hunting the world for sheet steel, but had not found the answer to the Dominion's steel problems. Machinery: There was a glimmer of hope in the fact that the United Kingdom was still further restricting its capital expenditure. There might be better short-term delivery prospects. Pig Iron: At the beginning of the year, a deficiency of about 5000 tons had been expected, but shipping had been more favourable. It was possible to keep the supply position reasonably satisfactory. Tin Plate: The position was improving as the United Kingdom was better able to cope with the demand. It might be possible to save dollars in this quarter. Tin plate was a bright spot. Textiles: The cotton textile position was likely to show some slight improve, ment. Production had improved in the United Kingdom, and New Zealand had been supplementing its cotton textile supplies by imports from America. CertaW 5 industrial cloths might still have to come from that source. The answer to the question of supply from Japan now appeared rather unsatisfactory in price, quality and dates of delivery. Further, it appeared that dollars would be required. Paint and Pigments: The white lead supply was showing some improvement while the supply of some other pigments was also improving. The Canterbury crop of linseed should be about 20.000 acres and should produce a large proportion of New Zealand’s requirements. Overseas supplies were improving but at high prices, but the paint position, as a whole, was better. Paraffin was showing some improvement, and if the lights were cut off next winter. New Zealand would not be entirely without candles. Fibres: New Zealand should, before long, be producing a greater supply of its own phormium tenax for fibre board, twines. The sisal supply was difficult, but was improving slowly. There was a little more manila coming. MOTOR CAR IMPORTS UNASSEMBLED VEHICLE LICENCES Permission for the importation of builtup motor-ears from Britain under IMS licences issued for unassembled cars has been given by the Customs Department according to advice received by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. The importation of delivery vans under 1948 licences for unassembled* commercial chassis will also be permitted. A condition imposed is that the imports must be made by June 30. 1948. The Chamber of Commerce has also oeen advised that in future no allocation will be made for artificers’ tools not included elsewhere in the 1948 import licensing schedule. Any further licences under this heading will not be available for the importation of shovels in sizes 2 to 10, round or square mouth, and long or D handled. The Customs Department has decided that licences for imports of Canadian preserved and potted fish will not be available for Imports from other countries.