EMBARGO LIFTED

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24134, 28 November 1941, Page 8

EMBARGO LIFTED

BUILDING MATERIALS CONOESSION TOO LATE "GOVERNMENT MISSED BUS" Restrictions on the importation of a number of building materials have been lifted by the Government, and merchants will now bo granted licences to the full extent applied for from whatever source supplies are available. While this may appear to be a valuable. concession, inquiries show that once again the Government lias left it too late, and most of the goods for which free entry lias now been granted are no longer obtainable overseas. "It is exactly the same story as with silk stockings and numerous other lines —the Government has missed the bus," said one merchant. "Practically all the lines were available up to about June, but in spite of protests we could not obtain licences. Now we have the licences but cannot get the goods. The whole position is absurd and is a typical example of Government, bundling. > The list of goods affected is. Gypsum; glass, sheet, etc.; paperhangiiias* screws for wood; measuring, etc., instruments (excluding water meets and magnetic compasses); artificers tools, n.e.i., etc. (excluding circular saws, etc.); blind rollers; builders and cabinetmakers' hardware, etc.; whitelead ground in. oil; asbestos. Consideration also will ne given to applications for special licences to import the following:—Sanitary earthenware; domestic gas cookers; electric ranges; paint brushes. MORE IMPORT CHANGES GLUCOSE FROM AMERICA Further amendments to the sixth period import licensing schedule have been announced by tiie Customs Department in Auckland. Holders of licences to import wine from Spain and Portugal are adviped that arrangements should be made for the importation of these goods without call on American dollar funds for payment of department also has announced that licences will be granted to import glucose from the United States to the extent of 50 per cent of the amounts of. licences granted from all sources during 1940.