IMPORT REGULATIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 30, 6 February 1939, Page 11

IMPORT REGULATIONS

PROSPECTS OF BERLEI (N.Z.) LTD. “We are passing through differ ent methods of business, and it is clHi cult to forecast very far ahead,” sai( Mr. J. A. Gentles, chairman of direc tors of Berlei (N.Z.), Limited, at tin annual meeting at Auckland on Thurs day. “Preferential treatment ha been promised to manufacturers, ant we can only hope that we will be per mitted to import sufficient rav materiel to cater for our increasing turnover.” The company was facing substan I tially increased costs, said the chair | man. Wages and salaries had beei increased, and this year the additiona burden of social security taxes woulc be borne. However, the increase ir sales of 6! per cent, had taken cart of additional manufacturing costs anc overhead expenses. The factory hat produced 408,000 garments during the past year. Rates and taxes had absorbed £21,684. The firm used £59,764 worth ol materials during the year, and approximately 300 persons were employed. Wages and salaries amounted to £36,500. A section adjoining the factory had been purchased, and this would provide for any future extensions. Ir the meantime, two houses on the section were providing some return The factory manager, Mr. R. Moore had visited the United States anc Canada last year. A visit to the United States and Canada last year. A visit to the United States, Canads and the United Kingdom would be made this year by the managing director, Mr. S. S. Scott, who would investigate further sources of supply, particularly in England, in view ol the import control regulations. Reference was made to the death ol Sir Harold Beauchamp, who had been a director since the company’s inception. The retiring directors, Messrs. N. L. Brodziak and S. S. Scott, were re-elected.