Steel For Essential Works Assured

Northern Advocate, 12 March 1948, Page 5

Steel For Essential Works Assured

AUCKLAND, Fri. (P.A.)—New Zealand will obtain enough steel from Australia for hydro-electric projects and waterworks—“the two things that concern us most”—said the Minister of Works (Mr Semple) on his return from Sydney this morning.

Mr Semple has been in Australia for a month on a mission of seeking steel supplies for the Dominion. “I got on as well as could possibly be expected, ’ he said. “In fact. I got on far better than I thought I would. “I have an assurance that the steelworks will do everything in their power to see that we get our legitimate share of steel.

“Owing to the very difficult industrial position today, I could not expect a written guarantee. “It depends on whether the mines and steelworks function normally. “There is no guarantee of continuity in the supply of steel but I have come back quite satisfied, after a thorough investigation, that Australia is playing the game with us.

“There arc serious industrial upheavals in Australia, and production has gone down as the result of labour trouble and coal shortages.” Mr Semple indicated that he would comment later on the present industrial unrest in Australia, as it had had lessons for New Zealand.