CORROSIVE CLIMATE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 188, 11 August 1933, Page 11

CORROSIVE CLIMATE.

AUCKLAND CONDITIONS.

STEEL WINDOW PROTECTION.

The peculiar demands made by Auckland's atmospheric conditions oil metalcased window frames were commented on during the hearing of evidence before the Tariff Commission yesterday afternoon of an 'application by Mr. L. J. Stevens, on behalf of Crittall Metal Windows (N.Z., Ltd.), for the maintenance of the present tariff protection of 25 per cent British and 45 per cent foreign on imported manufactured steel windows.

Mr. Stevens said the industry could not operate efficiently or profitably without protection. The tariff has caused an improvement in the quality of the New Zealand product, as they did not have to manufacture down to a price instead of up to a quality.

In outlining the advantages possessed by the New Zealand windows over those imported, Mr. B. C. Chilwell, an architect, said there was something extraordinary about the atmospheric conditions in Auckland, where the corrosion that took place was the heaviest he had encountered. Therefore the window sash was of no value unless it were constructed of rustless material.

Professor B. E. Murphy said that if all that had been said of the technical superiority of the New Zealand product were correct, it seemed almost that the local industry could hold the market without protection. Such a high value had been put on it by evidence as to practically destroy in his mind the case for protection. (Laughter.) In reply to questions T)y Mr. A. E. Marnier, secretary of the N.Z. Manufacturers' Federation, Mr. Stevens said that while an architect might advise his client to use the best, the advice was not always followed, for reasons of price. Professor Murphy: If all the architects were as enlightened as Mr. Chilwell you would have no fear ? Witness: That is so. Professor Murphy: But they are not 1 Mr. Stevens: No. Professor Murphy: That is very fair comment.