INCENSED AT SECRECY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 3, 5 January 1939, Page 8

INCENSED AT SECRECY

FEELING OF WANGANUI IMPORTERS REFUSAL OF LICENCES Wanganui importers are incensed at lhe secrecy surrounding applications for import licences under the recent New Zealand legislation. No disclosure is being made as to what goods can he imported and what are likely to be refused until the applications are dealt with. Apparently, each application is being treated on its merits and there are indications that imports will be restricted to the 193 S level or less than that. One Wanganui drapery firm has been advised of refusals of licence for certain lines, and he said that if the degree of refusal disclosed was to be maintained he could see a serious shortage of several lines of drapery at present very popular with the New Zealand public. A bookseller stated that a deputation from the New Zealand Master Booksellers' Assocation had waited on the Minister of Customs, Hon. W. Nash, asking him to grant an exemption, but Mr. Nash had replied that booksellers would have to make application the same as other importers. However, it was stated that licences had been granted on application for (Australian and English books to the same amount as last year. I The following are the reports oi I various importers interviewed in Wanganui:— English Crockery: Applications were ibeing presented. Some lines, it was I presumed, would be refused entry to 11he country, but it was anticipated that no difficulty would be met with [in obtaining the bulk of the supplies las in the past. 1 Furnishings: Applications for imports from Belgium, Poland and ■Czechoslovakia would probably meet I with refusal. Groceries: Several applications from Wanganui provision merchants are being dealt with now and, it is understood, that quite a number of lines will be refused entry to New Zealand. Drapery: Boys' slip-overs, from • Australia, licence refused; men's dressing gowns, from Australia, licence ’granted for half the quantity requested; sewing, cotton, reduction by |'rs per cent.; textile piece goods (cotiton and linen), embroidery, and linen |patterns, total prohibition. Rotary duplicator, from United (Kingdom, licence refused. i Paint, from England, licence refused. | Sporting requirements, from United Kingdom, licence granted for four- ' fifths required. Metal Goods: Reductions ranging up to 79 per cent, on last year's imports.