NEW ZEALAND GOODS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 32, 8 February 1927, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND GOODS

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.") AUCKLAND, This Day. . At yesterday's meeting of the Auckland Industrial Association there was some vigorous criticism of the Government's attitude in respect to the preference for New Zealand manufactures in Government contracts. The Blatter was introduced by Mr. G. Finn in a report in connection with tariff matters. The speaker said that, although the Government had affirmed the principle of preference for New Zealand goods, it was only half-hearted in giving effect to it. Contracts totalling £650,000 had recently been let in the four chief centres in connection with railway workshops, but no effort had'been made to encourage the use of New Zealand materials in carrying out the work. No doubt the bulk of the material and equipment would have to be imported, but, a certain amount of local manufactures could be used. Mr. Finn was of the opinion all the Government contracts should specify that New Zealandmade goods should be used wherever possible. As matters stood, the contractors could import duty-free material that could be supplied by New Zealand manufacturers. ■

A resolution was passed that the lack of keen interest on the part of the Government in regard-to the providing of reasonable opportunities for the use of New Zealand-made goods on Government works be referred to the Trade and Tariff Committee.