GERMAN MERCHANDISE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18991, 12 October 1923, Page 8

GERMAN MERCHANDISE.

REMOVAL OF EMBARGO. LITTLE APPARENT EFFECT. (From Our Own Co’>T>-e-T'oyT-n-rrv T \ AUCKLAND, October 11. The embargo on the importation of goods of German and other enemy country origin was removed as from September 1 fast, but so far there does not appear to bo any great desire on the part of local importing firms to place orders with German manufacturers or their selling agents. One reason for this would seem to be the uncertainty governing the cost of landing such goods. German exporting firms have been busy in the last tew months distributing catalogues, and a number of Auckland firms have received samples of the lines which the German manufacturer wishes to place in this market. One or two merchants have endeavoured to ascertain the duty that would be levied on a shipment if any order of considerable dimensions were placed, but as the depreciated currency duty would apply, this information cannot be supplied months in advance of the arrival of a consignment, and as a consequence any definite action has been prevented. Merchants have also to take into consideration the fact that local manufacturers and New Zealand representatives or other British manufacturers have the right to lodge a complaint with the Minister of Customs if they think that any quantity of goods from countries having a depreciated currency is likely to compote unfairly with British goods. Thus the possibility of the Minister declaring against such goods makes the importer hesitate. The only influx of German goods within the last few weeks has been the landing of a consignment of mouth organs. The Germans always specialised in those instruments, and as they are not made in any appreciable quantities by British firms they are not subject to anv drastic treatment.