ELECTRIC RANGES

Hutt News, Volume 13, Issue 23, 15 November 1939, Page 5

ELECTRIC RANGES

' (To the Editor.) Sir, —In a statement on the electric range manufacture industry of New Zealand, by Mr. W. H. Stevens, president of the Wellington Manufacturers' Association, the impression would seem to be given that there are adequate supplies of electric ranges available for the public demand. This is actually far from being the position, and very considerable embarrassment is being experienced by members of this association in meeting even portion of the existing demand. The condition is regarded very gravely, as In the absence of large blocks of industrial load, the domestic eleclric range provides the "backbone" of . an industry in which the public are interested to an amount of nearly £40,000,000. Our members estimate that at present not more than one-third of their requirements for electric ranges can be met, and are making urgent representations to* the Government to increase th 6 supplies of raw materials to existing electric range manufacturers, to immediately increase local manufacturing capacity, to allow importation of range styles not made in New Zealand, and, by importing, to augment local production until the latter can meet the demand. The difficulties encountered by the shortage are manifold, not the least being those where in certain country districts guarantees for a minimum power consumption must be asked of consumers (whether such power is used or not) with the consukner facing considerable difficulty in securing the necessary domestic appliances to use such electric power.—l am, etc., J. A. NASH, President Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities' Association of New Zealand.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In noting the comments Of Mr. Stevens, President of the Wellington Manufacturers' Association, following up the discussion of the board which were recorded in the press of last week, he has evidently not made himself fully "acquainted with the subject before giving his comments to the press. At a meeting of the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board held on the 2nd instant, a letter was before the board from the Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities Assocation wherein information was given that 50% of gas ranges were allowed to come into the country from overseas whereas overseas manufactured electric ranges were cut out, and the letter asked the board' to discuss the matter. For Mr. Stevens' information the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board does not trade in ranges or other electrical apparatus, and it is only upon application from its consumers that orders are placed for equipment, and then only the requirements necesary. The consumer who applies for an electric, range lias generally made up his or her mind as to the make and type required, and the board orders in accordance with their wishes. Mr. Stevens is not correct in his statement regarding competitive prices, nor is he correct in his statement that the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board has not been very sympathetic and helpful in the matter of purchasing goods which are made in New Zealand. The board has set itself out over a number of years to purchase material and equipment made in New Zealand providing it will stand up to the work which it is called upon to do, and it has purchased large quantities of New Zealand-made insulators and switchgear. Mr. Stevens, in his statement, states that under ordinary circumstances it would take 4 or 5 months for electric ranges to be landed in New Zealand. We would point out that our experience is that we have been able to draw from overseas importers' stocks sufficient electric ranges to meet the demand of this beard's area, or, if an order for larger quantities is required, from shipments arriving. This board has never been held up, until this last year, for electric ranges, and has been able to supply the immediate demands of its consumers. Naturally, if the importation of overseas electric ranges is cut out, the importers have no stocks to offer or arriving. The Hutt Valley Electric Power Board realises its obligations under its recomendations to its consumers if called upon. Such recommendations are for appliances that will stand up to tests without fear or favour, and we suggest that Mr. Stevens should have obtained full particulars before rushing into print so as to mak« sure of his facts and not be misleading in his statements. —I am, etc., G. LONDON, Chairman.