IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 25 January 1939, Page 4

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

POWER BOARD SUPPLIES OFFICER TO INTERVIEW MR NASH (United Preßs Association! AUCKLAND, 23rd January. A decision to send Mr S. A. Lovell, purchasing officer to the board, to confer with the Minister of Finance, Mr Nash, on the obtaining of permits to import equipment required for outstanding contracts was made by the Auckland Electric Power Board. “We have to apply for permission to import cable and other necessary equipment, and I think it advisable for us to send Mr Lovell to try to see Mr Nash himself before the importers’ meeting in Wellington this week,’’ said the chairman, Mr S. J. Harbutt. “He can ask for authority to purchase them, as our purchases are urgent and we cannot delay if we are to see ourselves through the coming winter.” Mr Lovell could also attend the importers’ meeting while in Wellington, added Mr Harbutt. He would not be there to take sides. He would first see Mr Nash regarding permits, and, by attending the conference of importers, might obtain useful information. The general manager, Mr R. Bartley, said the required imports involved 22.000-volt cable and other equipment valued at between £38,000 and £40,000.