OVERSEAS TOURS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 66, 10 December 1938, Page 12

OVERSEAS TOURS

Money For Personal Expenses REASONABLE SUMS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE A statement that reasonable sums would be made available to people desiring to proceed abroad was made by the Minister of Finance Mr. Nash, when his attention was called to reports that restrictions on drafts by trading banks and money orders from the Post Office would prevent persons from travelling overseas. “If a request is made for a stun reasonably sufficient to meet any ordinary expenditure for a trip overseas then it will be made available,” said -Mr. Nash. "A traveller can get some money—any reasonable sum that he wants. The money must be wanted for his own expenses and not for other expenditure.” The leading shipping companies have had a number of inquiries from persons who had booked or were contemplating booking passages to Australia, ami the intending passengers were fearful that they would have to cancel their berths because they had heard that the banks would not. provide the necessary letters of credit for amounts which would enable them to spend their holidays on a scale that they bad planned. The banks acting under instructions from the Associated Banks, have made more stringent the conditions under which they will advance monev for overseas requirements and full inquiries are being made into every application for funds in Australia and elsewhere. Bach application is considered on its merits. Transfer to Australia.

"I cannot imagine that that man would lie refused money,” remarked Mr. Nash, when he was informed of a case which came under official, notice of a mam who had doubts whet tier he would be able to transfer his money to Australia where he will live in future. The man had sold up his home, having been appointed to a better position in Australia. He was exceedingly concerned by reports that facilities for the transference of his capital would be denied him and ho believed that he would be forced to remain in New Zealand. “It all depends on the amount of money that he wants to take,” said the Minister, when this case was explained to him. Severe Restriction Not Expected. It was stated yesterday in the Wellington office of a travel, agency doing a large business in overseas tours that tourist. agents understood that the Government did not contemplate severe restriction upon New Zealanders travelling abroad, even though travel beyond the country necessitated the remitting of sums abroad. The Government appeared to feel that New Zealanders should not lie deprived of the benefits of travel. It was believed that each application for a draft to pay for I ravel abroad woitld bo considered by the Treasury separately. It would not lie questioned unless the amount appeared unreasonable for its ostensible purpose. and it would not bo refused unless the Government, considered that the traveller was attempting to export money for the purposes oilier than bis needs while travelling, The severity of the restrictions must depend on the country’s economic position, however. No passages had been cancelled since tlie introduction of the regulations.