IMPORT REGULATION

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1939, Page 10

IMPORT REGULATION

Effect on Foodstuffs CHRISTCHURCH, March 13. Provision merchant and grocers m Christchurch are already feeling the first effects of the import restrictions, sleeks in several lines haying dwindled away almost to vanishing point. The worst effects will not be felt for another two or three months. Australian lines mostly ar e affectea in the shortages now developing, ine chief of these is rice, supplies ol which are drawn from Australia and the East. This time last year, the rice stocks were heavy, and small orders were placed. Consequently, in putting in the current orders, quotas have been substantially below normal requirements. Australian cereals, too, are becoming short. Loaf sugar, which is not made in New Zealand, is practcally finished. Tinned asparagus, imported coffee essence, tinned goods such as baked beans, spaghetti, and soups, white vinegar, and other commodities aie also nearing the end. There is still a good supply of tinned fruits, foi there was a fair carry-over from last season. The peak demand will not be reached until next summer, and the shortage, with a 66 2-3 per cent, reduction, will be felt. The same position applies to imported salmon. British Columbian supplies have been cut down by half, but the carry-over is sufficient to meet the demand till the latter part of this year. RULING ON VALIDITY. I AUCKLAND, March 13. A ruling of the Attorney-General, on the validity of the Government’s import control regulations, is being obtained by Lord Galway, following the receipt of the importers’ petition, early this month. A clause in the petition, on which the Attorney-General is being consulted, states that there exists very grave doubt as to whether the import regulations are ultra vires and valid.