IMPORTERS IN DOUBT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 29 November 1938, Page 7

IMPORTERS IN DOUBT

INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES OF CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT SOME EXPECT RESTRICTION Importing firms in Wellington are manifesting considerable interest in the present activities of the Customs Department, a report having been current for some days that leave for the officers of the department throughout New Zealand had been discontinued, stat/s to-day’s “Dominion.” When approached yesterday, the Comptroller of Customs, Mr E. D. Good, declined either to confirm or deny the report or to discuss the possibility of Government action in the direction of curtailing imports. Importers consider that the department is possibly engaged on inventories of the types and quantities of goods entering the Dominion. A number of importers of representative lines who were interviewed yesterday said they were in the dark as to the likelihood of restriction, either by tariff or quota, and did not expect to receive any official notification, if such action were intended, till the last minute. A feeling of uncertainty was manifest, one importer having made preparations a fortnight ago in expectation of a curtailment then of imports in his line. The general opinion was that any restriction. if imposed, would be concentrated on luxury or semi-luxury articles, and it was also felt that action might be stayed till the new year so that the effect of wool and other seasonal exports on the Dominion’s London funds might be gauged.