Production Of The Gnat

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30634, 28 December 1964, Page 10

Production Of The Gnat

New Zealand industrial products do not often show the early promise of the Gnat, the all-purpose tractor developed in Christchurch. Its promoters believe that their machine is of economic importance to New Zealand agriculture, and their first inquiries abroad have excited interest in Australia to the extent of orders for several hundred tractors. But the enterprise has no assurance of import licences for sufficient engines and tyres to support continuous production on a scale that will allow an attractive price at home and abroad. No obstruction should be put in the way of a promising industry and if the whole of the export line can be made in New Zealand so much the better. If it can be shown that the machine is useful to New Zealand agriculture and that overseas funds can be earned as well, the industry will have a good case for adequate licences. If the Gnat will do what larger, more expensive imported tractors now do, its production should show a net saving in overseas expenditure, an important consideration for the Minister of' Customs (Mr Shelton) when he comes to decide what licences are to be issued.