Import Control

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28938, 4 July 1959, Page 3

Import Control

Sir,—The theme song of the present Government is the appalling state they found the balance of overseas funds to be in when they took office. They then go < to tell you, with pride in their v ices, how they have overcome this tote of affairs; yet, when a farmer wishes to import a vehicle, which e has purchased with his private overseas funds, which would thereby bring a useful' vehicle into New Zealand and in no way deplete New Zealand funds overseas, he is refused an import licence. Maybe it makes sense to the Minister of Customs, but it certainly does not to the nan in the street, and after all it is thej man in the street who put the Minister where he is. To me it seems to put one more nail in his coffin.—Yours, etc.. C.D.A. July 3, 1959.

Sir, —The Government proudly stresses the fact that farmers, in spite of the increases in taxation, are still producing the maximum off their land: yet when -a request is made to the Minister of Customs by a farmer. to import a utility-vehicle (purchased and loid for in England with overseas funds) which would not only add to the efficiency of running the farm, but, by expediting the many personal uses to which the vehicle would be put in country areas, would give the farmer more time to attend to his farm ig operations, the request is refused. Surely this is shortsighted and unreasonable, besides being frustrating for the farmer.— Yours, etc., SYMPATHISER. July 3. 1959.