GRAMOPHONES FOR SCHOOLS

Evening Star, Issue 18999, 22 July 1925, Page 2

GRAMOPHONES FOR SCHOOLS

SUPPORT CLAIMED FOR LOCAL ARTICLE [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, July 21. The claims of locally-made gramophones for use in schools as against those of imported machines wore pressed by a deputation representing the New Zealand Industrial .Corporation of Manufacturers, which waited on the Minister of Education and Ministry of Industries and Commerce today; Sir James Parr, in replying, said that as a New Zealander he iavored New Zealand manufactures, but as Minister of Education lie was not prepared to pay a higher price for an article which ho was informed was nob as good as another, “ I have been assured by British manufacturers,” said Sir James, “ that your claim to produce a New Zealand article can not bo justified. They write and, tell jno that practically all the so-called New Zea-land-made instruments arc composed of motors and fittings imported not from Britain but from Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, and that to some extent the wood is imported from some of those countries. On the other hand, British manufacturers assure me that the whole make-up of the article wo are getting is British.” “ That is a lie,” interjected a member of the deputation. The Minister of Industries and Commerce agreed that nothing but the best should be given the young. if wo were to manufacture in New Zealand, wo must make an article equal to the very best. He pointed out the advantages which the local manufacturer had over the maker of the imported article ns a result of the tariff, and said ho was sure the local manufacturers would produce a machine equal to the best._ Mr Watkins said ho would even go so far ns to say that they could excel the world’s best. Sir James Parr: Do you suggest that the Education Department should pay a higher price for tho Now Zealand article ? “ No, sir,” replied the speaker. “ Tho Now Zealand manufacturers will produce for you an equally good machine in every way to the ■ imported article.” Sir James: Will you put that in black and white?—Yes. “Then I will consider it,” said the Minister. il You will have to satisfy my exports that the tone and other features are equally as good.” “We will do that,” said Mr Watkins.

Hon. Mr Anderson: If we want a machine of a certain type, are you prepared to make it to our requirements? A member of tho deputation replied in the affirmative.