NO GAS MASKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23758, 11 September 1940, Page 8

NO GAS MASKS

IMPORTATION REFUSED ORDER FOR CITY COUNCIL EMERGENCY PLAN EQUIPMENT Licences souglit by an Auckland firm to import approximately 600 gas respirators, anti-gas clothing and spare materials for the Auckland City Council for use in the emergency precautions scheme have been refused by the Customs Department. The application for licences was made on July 29, immediately on receiving an order from the purchasing officer of the council, and the importer then specified the reasons for which the respirators and other goods were required. On the same day he was advised by the Customs Department that the application had been submitted to the Comptroller of Customs in Wellington for consideration. Since then he has been informed that it was regretted licences could not be issued. No reason was given. The respirators and clothing were required for traffic officers, auxiliary firemen and actual air raid precaution workers. Prior to receiving the order from the council the importer communicated by cablegram on several occasions with his principals in Britain, and was assured by them that shipment would be made within three or four weeks of confirmation of the order. The City Council has taken up the matter with the Government. The Emergency Precautions Committee is ordering a good deal of material, and the use of some depends on respirators and gas-proof clothing being available.