IMPORTERS’ MEETING

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 100, 21 January 1939, Page 13

IMPORTERS’ MEETING

Palmerston Discussion 01

Restrictions

WELLINGTON CONFERENCE

Dominion Special Service.

PALMERSTON N., January 20.

Importers uf Palmerston North met today and discussed the restrictions involved in tlie Government’s import regulations.. and also the Auckland petition seeking revocation of the regulations till I heir legality can be tested by the Supreme Court. The meeting, more than 30 strong, decided not to sign the petition till after the inaflfl meeting in Wellington on January 25 and 26. Palmerston North will be strongly represented, and a subcommittee was set up at the meeting to frame questions to be asked of the Minister of Customs, Mr. Nash. Mr. K. A. Henderson. president of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce, presided. “It is evident that the primary reason for the import, restrictions, is to stabilize our London funds,” he said, addressing the meeting. “The Government has taken certain definite steps to rectify this unsatisfactory position, and it is a pity that these steps were not taken earlier. The main problem that we, as business men., are faced with, is the Government interference in our business activities. 'I here is no doubt that real prosperity results from free trade, unhampered by interference. In our interests, it is apparent that something must be done to end or minimise this interference. We must give all credit to the Govern men t for talcing what it considers tlie best steps to rectify the position, and if we are not in accord, it is essential .that we make some constructive criticism, and other constructive proposals to rectify the position. which is a serious one for, this country. It seems pretty well impossible to rectify the position without some evident retraction from our obligations under the Ottawa Agreement.” Petition to Governor-General.

For some time importers discussed the Auckland petition. “We should support it, but it is a pity it did not contain more constructive information rather than destructive,” said Mr. Henderson. Mr. IT. B. Free: More goodwill will accrue by a discussion of the regulations at the proposed conference than by. proceeding, at this stage, with the petition. Others expressed the opinion that the petition should he given more consideration after the conference, and a motion to this effect was carried. Arrangements were made for. a subcommittee to frame questions lor submission to the conference, and for Immersion North importers to take part in proceedings.