IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24305, 23 May 1940, Page 13

IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

OTAGO ASSOCIATION MEETING OF EXECUTIVE The monthly meeting of the executive of the Otago Importers and Shippers' Association was held on Tuesday evening, when the president (Mr S. F. Aburn) occupied the chair. Before proceeding to the business of the evening the president reminded members that since their last meeting two prominent members of firms associated with them had passed away, in the persons of Mr A. S. Paterson and Mr T. J. Hussey. the firm of the latter having been a pioneer member of the association. All present then stood in silence as a mark of respect. The secretary stated that during the .past month he had been asked to advise a prominent member of the association in regard to an important transaction, including the signing of a charter party covering a large cargo of raw material destined for the Dominion. The firm in question had expressed their cordial thanks for his special advice in a transaction which was somewhat complicated by circumstances arising out of the present war. The secretary also reported on the recent large meeting of importers throughout the Dominion, held in Wellington. Various phases of the present import restrictions, and their most unfortunate and prejudicial effect on the interests of many importers had been considered, including some forwarded by the association on behalf of local importers. ' These had been discussed and subsequently laid before the Minister of Customs. A " general answer had been received and passed on to the firms submitting the questions. The president reported on the meeting which he. in company with the vice-president, had attended on the invitation of the Returned Soldiers Association, to ma*ke a public protest against the action of a small section of the community endeavouring to hinder a united effort by the Dominion in the present grave struggle. After hearing the. president, the meeting unanimously adopted the following minute: — . . ■ "'•

"This meeting of the Otago Importers and Shippers' Association Executive desires to assure the Returned Soldiers' Association of their _united and ccrdial support in any effort they may make to secure the suppression of all subversive elements and action on the lines mentioned." :

The secretary reported on the position of two claims discussed at the last meeting. One had been finalised, and the other was still the subject of correspondence. He also mentioned that he had been consulted regarding yet another claim during the month.