Efforts To Satisfy Sportsmen’s Needs

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29792, 7 April 1962, Page 10

Efforts To Satisfy Sportsmen’s Needs

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, April 6.

The Minister of Customs (Mr Shelton) read to the Bureau of Importers in Auckland today what he described as an “unhelpful' submission.” It read:

“May I venture to say that you can kick a fellow around during the week, but try kicking him around in the week-end. and deprive him of going shooting because he cannot buy any ammunition, or playing squash because he cannot buy squash balls, or purchase fishing tackle of his choice and you. sir. will be creating a hostile public."

Mr Shelton said he received the submission when he met 35 importers and representatives of trading groups in Auckland last week.

“Everybody can go shoot:nig.” he said. “There is no shortage of ammunition, but the number of types has been limited.

“Nobody has been denied a game of squash for want of balls."

A voice: We can't buy them. sir. anywhere in New Zealand. Mr Shelton: I've made in-

quiries and been told that balls are available. Fishing tackle is available. The submission. Mr Shelton said, was unfair to the Government.

“I don't say individual firms won't get short of some materials,” he said. “That is inevitable when there are restrictions.

"But we don't intend to kick people around either during the week or at the week-end. “I'd sooner issue a few licences for golf balls than have a golfer kicking me at the 19th.”