Hartley Computer group recovering

Press, 10 February 1983, Page 19

Hartley Computer group recovering

NZPA Sydney The Queensland Hartley Computer Group, placed in receivership last year and then bought by New Zealand interests, is well on the way to recovery, according to a statement. Mr John Holdsworth, a director and consultant to the group, said he and the chairman, Mr David Hartley, had travelled to Britain, South Africa, and the United States to meet distributors and users of the computer equipment and systems. In Britain an order had been placed for 45 Hartley systems, the South African

distributors buying a further 17. “Progress is also being made to re-establish sales in the United States and orders are expected in the near future for Hartley software,” he said in a statement issued here. “Sales in Australia are well ahead of budget during their first two months of operation.” Hartley was placed in receivership in May, 1982, but was rescued in December when Ariadne Australia, Ltd, (previously South Pine Quarries, whose major shareholder is the New Zealand company, H. W. Smith, Ltd), bought the assets from’ the

receiver. Ariadne Australia is an investment company headed by the New Zealander, Mr Bruce Judge, a protege of Mr R. A. Brierley before setting up his own consultancy four years ago. Mr Judge put up the debenture funds of sAust2.sM for the Queensland computer company, Hartley Computer Applications. It was done in partnership with and for the New Zealand Insurance South British United Group, Ltd. The Hartley Computer Group was an Australianowned manufacturer and distributor of computer hardware and software.