PURCHASE OF PLANT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 142, 17 June 1926, Page 13

PURCHASE OF PLANT.

MADE- IN NEW ZEALAND. GISBORNE COUNCIL'S DECISION. (By Telegraph.— Otvn Correspondent.) GISBORNE, this day. The question as to whether tha borough council should purchase an expensive bitumen plant of American ot New Zealand origin, which wac deferred at the last meeting, was lengthily discussed last night, when, by a majority of eight to two, it was decided to purchase a New Zealand plant, made by Xiven and Company. The reason for the engineer's recommendation that an American plant should be installed was that, in addition to providing machinery, the company would also provide an expert to teach employees the working of the plant. Since last meeting Nivens had offeTed similar ficilities, and councillors generally spoke in favour of buying a New Zealand made plant. The engineer strongly opposed this proposal on the grounds that the New Zealand firm had not had enough experience, but it was shown that several of their plants were operating satisfactorily at Hastings, Napier, and Wellington. The council therefore decided to purchase Niven and Company's plant, which will cost over £3000. General satisfaction is expressed locally at the decision of the council, for the manufacture of the plant here will give employment to fifty men for four months.