TRADE REDUCED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23336, 3 May 1939, Page 15

TRADE REDUCED

POET OF AUCKLAND DECLINE "IN IMPORTS __ I DECREASE NOT UNEXPECTED. REVENUE TOTALS LOWER "The cash receipts for April confirm the earlier suggestions that the revenue would not be sustained at previous high levels," stated the treasurer, Mr. C. F. Garratt, in a report to the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday. He said the total of revenue receipts was £3368 lower for the month, and, for the seven months, £2241 below the figures of the corresponding period in tho previous year.

Mr. Garratt said that receipts, including rents, for last month, amounted to £'12,140, in comparison with £45,508 for April last year. For the seven months to April, 1939, the aggregate amount was £286,990, in comparison with £289.231 for the previous - year. The returns were adequate for general account purposes, but the financing of loan works by general account in anticipation of the raising of loan moneys caused attention to be focussed upon the present decrease. Figures Over Six Months

In a return covering cargo movements, the traffic manager, Mr. W. R. Golden, said there was a decrease in both coastal and overseas imports for the first six months of the board's year, the former being 3104 tons, or 1.08 per cent, and the latter 4:7,780 tons, or 8.02 per cent. The principal decreasa in overseas imports occurred during the first quarter and prior to the import restrictions. It was difficult, therefore, to forecast the position at the end of the board's year, but the present indications were that a substantial drop would be experienced.

Coastal exports hacl been well sustained, and, although the first two months of the half-year showed decreases, the subsequent four months recorded increases, the result being a total advance of 5755 tons or 4.38 per cent. Overseas exports did not make such a good showing, and, after recording decreases for the first four months, showed small increases for tho final two. The half-year was finished with a decrease of 18,061 tons, or .11.69 per cent. , * Past Policy Justified Mr. Golden added that Onehunga showed a decrease of 3199 tons, or 31.36 per cent, in imports, and a decrease of 2595 tons, or 13.58. per cent, in exports. The total trade of the port had dropped by 19.77 per cent for the period. The chairman. Mr. W. B, Darlow, said the position was not a surprise to the board as they had quite anticipated a decrease as a result of" the import regulations. It showed that the past policy of the board in conserving Its assets, which stood them in good stead to-day, had been a very wise one.