IMPORTERS’ OBJECTION

Grey River Argus, 27 August 1946, Page 6

IMPORTERS’ OBJECTION

TO IMPORTING OF COAL AUCKLAND, August 23. A denial that an attack on the miners in the bureau’s original criticism of the Government's action in arranging for imports of coal from America was made by the Bureau of Importers this morning. The bureau stated that it was interesting to note that the Minister of Works, Mr. Semple, had quoted as a precedent for the coal importations that considerable quantities were imported during the First World War and for 'some time after from India; Africa, Australia and apan. Mr. Semple should remember that Nev/ Zealand’s economic system then was S'uch that free imports were possible and that coal could be imported without prejudice to the importation of other essential materials. The bureau maintained that if Nevz Zealand could import, coal and timber from the United States it shuold also be permitted to import many other essential commodities.