JEWELLERY TRADE CONFERENCE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28700, 25 September 1958, Page 7

JEWELLERY TRADE CONFERENCE

Import Controls Discussed

The implication of import controls, the changing pattern within the jewellery trade, and general policy were discussed at the conference of the Jewellers* Association of New Zealand in Christchurch, according to a supplied report. The conference did not discuss the effect of the recently signed New Zealand-Japanese trade treaty as the jewellery trade had a share of available licences to import cultured pearls and binoculars from Japan under the treaty. Because of import control the trade had to readjust itself, as New Zealand manufacturers had not as yet been able to replace merchandise previously imported, said tl*e annual report. Import restrictions had not been felt by the public, because of substantial stocks held at the end of 1957. But the council expected that jewellers’ stocks would be noticeably restricted in variety and quantity by November.

Mr G. W. Oliver of Christchurch was elected national president of the association. National councillors elected were: Messrs H. Smyth, H. S. Lowit (Auckland), P. Mayer, J. Van Praag (Wellington), J. L. Pearson, C. D. Smith (Canterbury-Westland), J. J. Kernshaw and J. Dever (OtagoSouthland). Two members were elected life members. They are Mr E. M. Bardsley (Wellington) who has retired after 13 years’ service and Mr F. W. Parker (Dunedin) the previous national president.