FEW LICENCES ISSUED AS YET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 4, 6 January 1939, Page 8

FEW LICENCES ISSUED AS YET

POSITION IN WELLINGTON “SECRECY” DEPLORED [ Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Jan. 5. So far not enough import licences have been issued in Wellington to give an accurate indication of the policy under which the new regulations are to be administered. Probably because of the greater volume of work to be handled, less progress than in other centres appears to have been made. Many firms, however, are expecting replies to their applications to-morrow. In the meantime, importers complain that their business is being held up by what they describe as “a secretive attitude of the Government.” They urge that an immediate and frank announcement should be made about what goods are to be allowed into, and what are to be kept out of the country. Until that is done they are unable to make plans. The most serious holdup, it is stated, conserns the July-December period. No licences have yet been issued for this period, but orders should be placed with overseas manufacturers now and arrangements made for handling the goods when they arrive in New Zealand. Where licences have been issued dissatisfaction seems fairly general, even where imports are permitted on the same basis as in the corresponding period last year. It is complained that no allowance is made for increases in trade which have taken place, or for the development of new lines of business. Importers whose applications have been reduced indicated to-day that they did not regard the department’s decision as final, and intended appealing for a reconsideration. It is understood concerted action may be taken by the commercial community in asking the Government to listen to its difficulties and amend the regulations where they are most, irksome.