MOTOR-CAR ORDERING AT A STANDSTILL

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

MOTOR-CAR ORDERING AT A STANDSTILL

FIRMS AWAITING LICENCES POSITION IN WELLINGTON [ Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Jan. 5. The head of a large motor company in Wellington said that, so far, no import licences had been obtained by his firm. “Our ordering is completely at a standstill,” he said. “Unless business falls off, the effect must be felt later in the year. There will be a gap in the arrival of supplies—and just how wide the gap will be depends on how long we are kept waiting. We are hoping every day for a final decision, but so far it has not come. ’ A second motor dealer said it appeared that the amount of goods imported during the first half of 1938 was to be the standard for the presen 4 six-monthly period. This would have a serious effect on business. It; October, November, and December, 1937, sales were booming; lhe commercial public did not. believe that it could continue and consequently cut down its buying in the first part of 1938. As it turned out, however, sales continued high. The result was that the buying for the first part, of 1938 did not. disclose the true requirements of the trade. Another importer .said that he had recently brought back from England the agency for a new line, which he had never imported before. The local Collector of Custims told him that he was unable to issue a licence for goods which had not been imported during the first half of 1938 and that to obtain such a licence it would be necessary for him to make representations to the Minister and the Controller of Customs. “The tendency seems to be to restrict (he development of trad? in new lines,” the importer commented.