N.Z. CARPET IMPORTS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29153, 14 March 1960, Page 13

N.Z. CARPET IMPORTS

Visitor Urges Relaxation

“I am disappointed that the amendments to the import licensing schedule give no relaxation of restrictions on the imports of carpets,” said Mr H. J. Gillam, a representative of an English carpet-manufacturing firm, in an interview. “I consider that the local carpet industry has now a sufficient degree of protection to be able to face outside competition,” he said. Mr Gillam, who is in New Zealand to look at the export market, said he fully appreciated the necessity in 1958 for adopting such stringent measures of import control. But to continue these restrictions purely as a means of economy was fundamentally bad, he said. The unfairness associated with the present allocation of licences could lead to patronage and bureaucracy. “I have already discussed the situation with the Minister of Customs (Mr Boord) but received very little encouragement,” said Mr Gillam. “He gave me to understand that the Government intends to retain indefinitely this present licensing. “It is most disheartening that the importation of carpets will continue to be adversely affected by this system of licensing for the sake of licensing. The outlook is singularly depressing.”.

Mr Gillam said he regretted that New Zealand had not followed toe move of the Australian Government, which three weeks ago abandoned its licensing control over carpet imports. Although New Zealand carpets were of good quality and construction there was a definite shortage of popular - priced Axminster rugs and carpet squares, said Mr Gillam. The market could be improved by filling the present gap In this lower-priced field. The local market was, however, catering well for local taste, and present designs did fulfil New Zealand requirements. There was not a large variation from standards of taste in Britain.

Mr Gillam, who has a 300-acre mixed farm in Yorkshire, is also planning to see something of farming conditions in New Zealand before he returns home in a few week’s time.