DRASTIC CUTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20139, 8 January 1940, Page 6

DRASTIC CUTS

MOTOR IMPORTS BAN ON AMERICAN LOW BRITISH QUOTA GOVERNMENT DECISION (Special to the Herald.) AUCKLAND, this day. Motor imports into New Zealand for the first six months of this year will be restricted to British vehicles. The value of imports will be 25 per cent of that for the first half of 1938 in the case of assembled vehicles and 35 per cent covering completely knocked down models. Advice to this effect has been received by the motor trade in Auckland from the Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. Nash. The point is not clear whether the percentages of imports for 1940*will include the sum previously allocated for United States and Canadian vehicles. An explanation of this question is being sought. Supplies of Spare Parts Spare parts will be permitted entry into the country to the equivalent value of imports during the first half of 1938, irrespective of the country of origin. The Minister has pointed out that the restrictions are being imposed as a further step towards preserving sterling funds. Information as to the Government’s policy regarding motor imports for the third period has been awaited by the trade for many months. As far back as October the Minister announced that he intended to make a statement on the subject. Last month there was a general feeling among motor importers that trade with America would be banned and at that time they were also generally resigned to a reduction in the importations from the United Kingdom. Licences Expected Early An Auckland importer said that the fault of restricted imports did not lie with the British exporters. The Board of Trade was most anxious that Britain’s export trade should be maintained and many New Zealand agents had been advised by their English principals that vehicles were available. Motor imports from all countries for the first half of 1938 were valued at £3,084,096. Britain’s share of the importations was £1,782,367, or 57.8 per cent of the total. This amount included £1,010,349 in the case of unassembled vehicles, and £772,018 in the case of built-up units. The total number of vehicles imported was 19,610, of which 11,173, or 56.9 per cent, were of British origin, including 6401 unassembled and 4772 assembled.