CHRISTMAS TOYS

Evening Star, Issue 25895, 12 September 1946, Page 11

CHRISTMAS TOYS

USE OF OVERSEAS FUNDS URGED RANGE OF LOCAL ARTICLES SMALLPRICES HIGH , (Special.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 12. Considerable facilities for the manufacture of toys had already been established in the Dominion by returned servicemen and civilian organisations, and arrangements were in progress which should lead to a large plant being operated by a New Zealand firm, in co-operation with one of the largest British manufacturers, stated the Minister of Customs, Mr Nash, ijn a written reply in the House of Representatives yesterday to a question by Mr J. T. Watts (Nat., Riccarton). Mr Nash added that in the meantime, with a view to meeting the demand for mechanical toys, an allocation for imports of these goods from the United Kingdom during 1947 had ■been provided to. the extent of 20 per cent, of-the value of imports of toys of all classes from all sources in 1938. Moreover, in 1947, as in 1946, imports of meccano and similar sets from the United Kingdom and Australia were being permitted to the extent of 33 1-3 per cent, of the value of imports of similar goods from the same source in 1938. The Minister said that licenses issued in accordance with those allocations were to cover the importation of any shipments of such goods which mightreach New- Zealand during 1946. After consideration of the interests of returned servicemen and other manufacturers within the Dominion, the Government would' decide the extent to which further licenses for import were necessary. • Mr Watts, said he was dissatisfied with the reply. There was no indication whatever that there would be any more toys available for the 1946 Christmas trade. Mechanical toys, which were imported, had educational as well as pleasure value. New Zealand-made toys were narrow in range, and in many cases the prices were beyond working people. Millions of pounds’ worth of import licenses had been is-' sued, but were hot used because of lack of goods. He asked if some of the overseas funds could therefore be used for toys to assist British makers and give joy to New Zealand children.