BANNED IMPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25001, 18 September 1944, Page 6

BANNED IMPORTS

FURTHER ITEMS ADDED STOCKINGS AND BOBBY piNS No bobby pins, women's fujl-length stockings made of cotton, silk or artificial silk, electric ranges, domestic gas cookers, tobacco pouches, drill paint brushes, coconut oil, dog chains, undercarriage springs or couplings for use in connecting trailers to motor vehicles will be imported to New Zealand next year. These are among the items which have been added to the prohibited- list under the new import licensing schedule announced on Saturday, For the current year imports of women's stockings have been "controlled," that is, applications are considered individually in relation to actual requirements, and importers were called upon to produce evidence that supplies were available overseas. One prominent merchant stated last night that imports in the last 12 months had been less than half of the quantity previously imported. The complete prohibition of imports would create an acute position. Many Articles Made in Dominion Bobby pins are now imported on the basis of 75 per cent of the value of 1940 imports, but i'roin January 1, 1945, they will be prohibited. Many of the items which figure on the banned list are now being made in New Zealaud. No alteration has been made in the basis of importing spirits, except that imports of gin are now permitted from any British sources up to the total c.i.f.e. valtio of such imports under 1941 licences, In March the allocation of whisky was increased by an amount equal to 10 per cent of the value of applicants' imports from the United Kingdom in 1938. This is again provided for in the new schedule for 1945. Less Children's Footwear The allocation for children's boots and shoes, sizes 0 to 9, has been reduced by half and next year merchants will be permitted to import up to 150 per cent of the value of imports in 1940. At present the ligjire is 300 per cent. Combs specially suited for hairdressers' use and fine tooth combs, which are now prohibited, will bo controlled next year. There has been no relaxation in the ban on the importation of carpets and floor coverings, except that licences from tlio United Kingdom and India for theso items can now. be used to import coir mats and matting. Imports of drawing pins, erasers and rubber bands from Australia and Canada are now admissible under licences for imports from the United Kingdom. There had been a reduction in the quota for watches. The new schedule allows 100 per cent of the value of 1938 licences, compared with the present allowance of 150 per cent. The schedule again states th.at licences should be used particularly for watches of a type suitable for the arrrifed forces, and adds that provision is mado that the value at the factory of Swiss watches must not exceed 35 Swiss francs. GOODS FROM CANADA WIDE RANGE AVAILABLE A study of the new import licensing schedule shows that a wide range of articles will be available for importation from Canad!f*next year under the Mutual Aid Agreement. As announced by the Minister of Customs, Mr Nash, these imports will be arranged on a Government-to-Government basis, the procedure being similar to lend-lease. Goods will be distributed.as far as possible through normal trade channels. Among the articles affected are: — Asbestos, veneers and plywood, fishing nets, cordage and twine suitable for fishing lines, manures (other than sulphur), emery paper and emery cloth, bolts, nuts, screws, washers (except rubber), ball cartridges, .22 calibre, road graders, engines specially suited for use on tractors or traction engines, electric motors and generators, starters and controllers for electric motors, copper. copper bars and rods, non-ferrous metal cordage, non-ferrous pipes, tubes and tubing, timber, rough sawn or rough hewn, woodenware and turnery and saddle-trees. PRISONERS OF WAR CONDITIONS IN GERMANY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Saturday The names of the New Zealand repatriates in the latest draft of prisoners of war released from Germany have not yet been received by the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office headquarters. but next-of-kin will be notified immediately they are known. The Inquiry Office headquarters has received a report of a visit by an International Rod Cross representative to Oflag VII.B in April. There were then about 1500 officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers at the camp, of whom 94 were New Zealanders. The prisoners were sufficiently fed, and the condition of the clothing was good. Hot and cold baths were available, also adequate medical and dental staff. The library was well stocked. Facilities were made for all types of sport. The food parcels in reserve were sufficient for 20 weeks. KNOCKED DOWN BY CAR Two people were knocked down by a motor-car in the vicinity of Cook Street, City, late last, night. They were a naval rating, Charles Frederick Jamieson, aged 36, single, and Miss Florence Wallace, aged 32, a factory hand. They were removed to the Auckland Hospital. Mr Jamieson suffered an injury to the spine. Miss Wallace was able to return home after receiving treatment in the casualty department for bruises and shock.