SERIOUS DELAY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20185, 1 March 1940, Page 5

SERIOUS DELAY

ISSUE OF LICENSES THIRDfERIOD IMPORTS PROTEST IN AUCKLAND "BECOMING RIDICULOUS” (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. A decision to send a telegram to the Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. Nash, pointing out the very serious position that had arisen through dome import licenses for the third period not having been issued, although two months of the period had already elapsed, was reached at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Charnber of Commerce. “The matter is becoming, ridiculous,” said Mr. J. A. C. Allum, who stated that, despite denials, he knew of specific instances where goods were piling up on the wharves and the consignees could not obtain possession because the third-period licenses had still not been issued. “Certain representations have been made to me which show the position ;ls extraordinarily serious,” Mr. Allum added. “It is past any question of criticism or argument. There are •facts and they were shown me to be correct as late as this morning.” Meanwhile, Mr. Allum said, there was an urgent call for orders to be placed for the fourth-period importations, but there was still no word of when a start would be made with the issuing of these licenses. Most of the third-period licenses outstanding were for schedule goods, raw materials and essential supplies. The secretary, Dr. P. Neale, read a letter from the Associated Chambers of Commerce setting out the representations that had already been made on the matter and detailing the various processes through which the schedule of applications passed before the licenses were issued. In view of the urgency of the matter, it was decided to make representations direct to the Minister by telegram.