NEW ZEALAND SERGE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 107, 6 May 1926, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND SERGE

A PLEA FOX DOMINION-MADE GOODS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

OHRISTCHUECH, sth May. A deputation frotn the Canterbury Industrial Association waited on the Lyttelton Harbour Board to-day and complained that in the specifications for uniforms it was stipulated that the cloth must be "Oxford" serge. Mr. E. H. Marriner, president of the association, said New Zealand serge was as good as any serge in the world, and it should bo given a fair chance. The Lyttelton Board was the only one that had the provision complained of. Samples of New Zealand serges he showed to the board, he said, were as good as any that could be bought anywhere. In reply to the secretary (Mr. Cyrus Williams), Mr. Marriner said that the New Zealand prices were not great or than other prices; sometimes they were less. Manufacturers asked that the word "Oxford" should be struck out, leaving the tenders open. Mr. S. J. Jackman said that the adverse balance in the Dominion's trade was a factor. The Dominion should be given a reasonable opportunity. Mr. Marriner, replying to Dr. Thacker, said that the dyeing of the New Zealand serges was absolutely satisfactory. New Zealand serges were second to none. Mr. W. J. Jenkin said that New Zealand serges would stand wear and tear as well as serges from any other part of the world. The chairman said that the deputation had stated a good case, and the board would give it full consideration. The Hon. E. Moore said that New Zealanders should bo placed on the same footing as other manufacturers. The secretary said that evidence in support of the statements made to him had not been produced to him. Dr. Thacker said that the secretary must have proof that the serges offered actually were made in New Zealand. The secretary was quite right. Every New Zealander who wished to buy New Zealand goods should have a method of identifying them as New Zealand. Mr. M. J. Miller agreed with the stand taken by the secretary. The board must provide its servants with proper uniforms up to a standard, but Now Zealand manufacturers should be given a chance. The board decided that the next tenders should allow manufacturers in both New Zealand and the Old Country to tender.