BUSINESS BRISK AT EASTER

Southland Times, Issue 23791, 13 April 1939, Page 4

BUSINESS BRISK AT EASTER

RESTRICTIONS NOT YET FELT PROSPECTS FOR NEW INDUSTRIES An exceptionally good Easter for business is reported by retailers in Invercargill, many of whom state that the season was the best for many years, and certainly better than the Easter of last year. So far the effect of the import restrictions had not been felt as the first period has not expired. “Easter this year has been like an extra Christmas to us,” said one retailer, who added that an early Easter had a distinctly beneficial effect on business, as the weather was usually better and people were more inclined to buy goods for which they might > feel they had no need in bad weather. He expressed the opinion that many lines would be considerably dearer when the import restrictions were in full operation, but that the effect would be good in the long run, as it was certain that many new industries would be started in Invercargill. One effect of the import restrictions, he said, had been to induce people to hasten their purchasing in anticipation of a rise in prices, or of the articles they required going off the market. Certain lines which were running out, would be very difficult to replace, and there were many things which people were accustomed to have and which they would be unable to procure. There would, however, be aspects of manufacturing that would have to be given greater consideration. “We have been producing only a certain class of goods,” he said, “and have been neglecting the better quality. It will be necessary in some cases to bring experts out from England and elsewhere,” he added. The establishment of industries, one merchant considered, would be the means of employing hundreds of girls in factories. There were many instances where families had been moved to Invercargill from manufacturing centres. The daughters had been employed in factories, and were now compelled to take up other work or were, more often, unemployed. Moreover, the establishment of secondary industries would result in a great increase in business at the port of Bluff, as it would be necessary to land the raw materials there. An Invercargill jeweller said that the Easter business was better this year than last. Like many others he had big stocks on his hands but he was concerned at the possible effects of the restrictions. It would probably be possible to manufacture silverware in New Zealand by importing experts from Australia, as Australian silverware for design and workmanship could now compare with any in the world, but watches would never be manufactured in New Zealand. He questioned whether the restrictions would have the desired effect in some lines, as there would be a huge reduction in customs revenue. 1 “For instance,” he said, “I received an invoice the other day for £lO, and the customs duty on that item was £9. If such articles that produce revenue' to that extent are prohibited the Government is going to lose a great deal, unless it imposes a corresponding excise duty.”