HIGH COST OF INFERIOR STEEL FROM OVERSEAS

Grey River Argus, 3 May 1949, Page 5

HIGH COST OF INFERIOR STEEL FROM OVERSEAS

“It is tragic to think that we have to pay £65 a ton for inferior 1 Belgian steel for hydro development in New Zealand”, said the Minister of Works, the Hon. R. Semple, to a deputation from the Grey County Council yesterday, when referring to the steel shortage. The Minister 1 recalled that when he visited . Australia last year he found that five coal mines, with the most modern appliances possible, were operated by the Broken Hill Pty., Ltd. Communists controlled the whole of the unions, and decided that when the coal bins were sufficiently full, the men had to cease work. . • “That we have to pay this price for Belgian steel —and all in gold, too—is due to the treacherous work of these individuals”, said Mr Semple. The wire and steel shortage was not the fault of the Government, which still wanted much steel for hydro Works, but could not get it. “These difficulties are caused by the Russians trying to disrupt Australia”. Hon. J. Ryall. M.L.C. (who led the deputation): “They are starting to do the same in New Zealand”. Mr Semple: “Of course. They are doing it everywhere”.