GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23704, 11 January 1939, Page 6

GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE

LONDON FUNDS FIRST CONSIDERATION VIEW OF IMPORTERS (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Jan. 10. Though every mail carries import licences, many of the principal firms in Wellington do no 4 yet know how they have fared under the new regulations, Nevertheless several importers express the opinion that in the administration of the regulations the Government’s desire to protect secondary industries is incidental to its determination to build up the London funds at all costs during the next 12 or 18 months. In -support of their contention they point to the heavy cutting of imports of some luxury lines not produced in New Zealand, as a result of which substantial revenue will be lost by way of Customs duties. When the London funds are back to normal they believe that the restrictions will be relaxed somewhat, "n the meantime they suggest that the Government feels that for non-essentials the country can rely largely on the existing stocks.

CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION GENERAL MANAGER’S RETICENCE FEWER DISPLAYS EXPECTED FROM OVERSEAS (Per United Press Association! WELLINGTON, Jan. 10. Asked to-day what effect the Government control of imports was likely to have on the Centennial Exhibition, the general manager (Mr C. P. Hainsworth) replied that he was unwililng to make any statement for publication. It is, however, evident that overseas manufacturers and importers within the Dominion are unlikely to take space for exhibiting products or wares which are going to be debarred from the New Zealand market. On the other hand, there is reason to suppose that New Zealand manufacturers will be encouraged by the Government’s policy to take more space than they might otherwise have done. Wares for the exhibition will be brought into the country under bond, and unless shipped _ away afterwards, will require import licences, and will be in exactly the same position as any other goods for importation. ‘Tubular steel amusement devices and other of the playland requisites to be imported by the Concessionary Company will presumably be in the same position. Probably the most serious aspect of the import control system from the viewpoint of the exhibition will be that many Australian merchants and manufacturers who could formerly count on large markets in the Dominion are now unlikely to exhibit.

THE FARMERS’ FEAR INCREASE IN COSTS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, Jan. 10. (Received Jan. 11, at 0.15 a.m.) Professor Belshaw, of Auckland University, who arrived for the Science Congress at Canberra, stated that New Zealand, with her new import licensing policy, possessed a powerful weapon with which to bargain with sister dominions and ensure the growth of home industries. While the aim undoubtedly was to give preference to Britain, it was most unlikely that Australia would receive the same treatment, but she would probably have to negotiate in order to maintain her market in New Zealand. The people most concerned or perturbed were importers and farmers, the latter fearing an increase in costs.