N.Z-MADE BUFFERS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29674, 18 November 1961, Page 13

N.Z-MADE BUFFERS

Harbour Board Dissatisfied

(N.Z Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, Nov. 1« New Zealand-made rubber wharf buffer* coat more than half as much again as imported buffers and were probably not as good, the Taranaki Harbour Board was told today. Because the New Zealand agents of a British firm supplying the cheaper buffers can not obtain an import licence, the board has decided to approach the Minister of Customs (Mr Marshall) for authority to import what it considers to be a superior type of buffer. The board wanted 36 buffers to replace existing worn types at the port, the chairman (Mr H. E. Blyde) said. The prices obtained were £35 18s 6d each at the Auckland factory for the New Zealand article, and £22 10s delivered for the British-made buffer. The board's engineer eMr P. D. L. Holmes) said that because of the difference in manufacture he thought the British article woSd much superior for the port’s need*. Th* imported buffer ££L- eXtrU . d , ed ‘ nt ° • SOlid Tl>e New Zealand article was made on a lamlbui,t “p ja layer* of rubber to ths required size. ® l J de *? id th « buffer *?? fixed to the outside of a jetty and It was possible tA’t . the laminated type would not stand up to the buffer* saved wear and tear on hardwood whl °h had to be im-