THIRD PERIOD LICENCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24236, 1 March 1940, Page 9

THIRD PERIOD LICENCES

SOME NOT YET ISSUED SERIOUS POSITION ARISES (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Feb. 29. The decision to send a telegram to the Minister of Customs (Mr W. Nash) pointing out the very serious position that had arisen .through some import licences for the third period not having been issued although two months of the period had already elapsed, was reached at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. “The matter is becoming ridiculous,” said J. A. C. Allum, who stated that in spite of denials he knew of specific instances where goods were piling up on the wharves and the consignees could not obtain possession because the third period licences had still not been issued. “ Certain representations have been made to me which show that the position is extraordinarily serious,” Mr Allum added. ‘lt is past any question of criticism or argument. There are the facts and they were shown me to be correct as late as this morning.”. Meanwhile, Mr Allum said, there was an urgent call for orders to be placed for the fourth period importations, but there was still no word of when a start would be made with the issuing of these licences. Most of the third period licences outstanding were for schedule goods, raw materials and essential supplies. The secretary, Dr P. Neale, read a letter from the Associated Chambers of Commerce setting out the representations that had already been made on the matter and detailing the various processes through which the schedule of applications passed before the licences were issued. In view of the urgency of the matter it was decided to make representations direct to the Minister by telegram.