PATRIOTISM PLACED UNDER MICROSCOPE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6851, 5 March 1929, Page 8

PATRIOTISM PLACED UNDER MICROSCOPE

Hospital Board Purchase

ENGLISH INSTRUMENT THAT COSTS £2O MOKE

Occasionally at local body meetings the patriotism of members is put to tho test when foreign competitors place before them temptation in the form of considerably cheaper commodities. Such an occasion occurred at the meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital Board yesterday, when tho secretary reported that a German microscope of repute could be secured for £35, whereas an English instrument of equal capacity would cost £55. The chairman (Sir J. G. Wilson): Personally, I don’t like German things. Mr. J. K. Hornblow: Neither do I. Mr. J. A. Nash: Hear, hear.

The secretary (Mr. A. J. Pnillipps) reported that the German instrument was the world’s best and would be the same as one at Massey College. The chairman moved that the English bo purchased and Mr. G. P. Catlcy seconded, Mr. Hornblow: While I am as patriotic as you are, sir, should we not leave this purchase to the experts ? We know the German one is tire finest in the world. It is no good allowing patriotism to stand in the way of efficiency, whether the microscope be Chinese or German.

There were some surgeons, ho said, who pinned their faith to Gernian blades.

The chairman: We are going to get the best. (To Mr. Hornblow): I don’t like you standing up for German steel. English steel is better than German. Mr. Hornblow* I am only telling you what a surgeon told bo. Mr. Moody: What kind of microscope has Massey College ?

Members: German. A member: We are a cut above that crowd, surely. Mr. Hornblow: The purchase of the instrument should be left in the hands of thoso best qualified to know which is best.

Mr. Monk: It is a question of ityThe chairman asked if tho Board would leave the matter in the hands of tho experts.

Mr. V. E. Smith: What does that mean ?

The secretary: It will place the onus on Dr. Ward and the bacteriologist. Mr. Smith: I thought we decided on an English machine.

The chairman had not put his motion, but did so at this juncture and it was carried.