CHANGE TO DECIMALS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30146, 1 June 1963, Page 13

CHANGE TO DECIMALS

Machines Need Adjustment

The proposed change to decimal coinage would mean that about 2000 figuring machines in Christchurch manufactured by his company would have to be adjusted, said Mr R O Harries, the sales manager for the sterling area of the Burroughs. Ltd s international division in Detroit in Christchurch yesterday. Mr Harries was general manager for Burroughs in South Africa during the period of preparation and completion of the currency change there Mr Harries said that the range of conversion costs of each figuring machine in Christchurch would be comparable with those in South Africa—from £3O to £3OO a machine. The company would employ a staff of about 200 people in New Zealand to make the conversion

For converting, the incl vidual machines would be withdrawn from use in customers’ offices for varying times ranging from two days to two weeks If the South African precedent was followed. loan equipment would be installed to avoid inconvenience to clients

Most of his company’s equipment for the New Zealand market, he said, was made in Britain. France and the United States. For the change-over, an accurate forecast had to be made on Uw much equipment would br needed. Parts would be needed to convert existing equipment now being used, and additional parts would have to be made for the new decimal machines “In order *• make a S'gn.Scant change in the production of part , we have to forecast the requirements two years ahead." said Mr Harries “We are glad the New Zealand Government made a preliminary announcement well tn advance about the conversion We are looking forward to more detailed promulgation from them ” Mr Harries leaves Christchurch by air today for Sydney where he will carry out a similar programme of talks •with Burroughs executives concerning eon-ersion Staff for converting his company’s machines tn New Zealand would be recruited in New Zealand, he said