BRITISH PREFERENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 27 July 1927, Page 7

BRITISH PREFERENCE

A RESOLUTION WITHDRAWN

(By Telegraph—Special to "The Mail")

AUCKLAND, 26th July. At yesterday's meeting of the Waitemata Power Board, Mr H. A. Robertson moved: "That this board accepts as its policy the advertising for its requirements from all sources, and will give preference to British-made articles to the extent of 10 per cent., this preference to be given only when the article is certified by an engineer to bo equal in quality and service to the foreign article.' - At the request of Mr J. McLeod, the chairman read part of a letter addressed to the former by the Belgian Consul, pointing out that a considerable export trade was done by New Zealand with Belgium. In 1926 the exports were valued at £171,000. So far as Belgian manufactures were concerned, Great Britain was one of her best customers. The chairman suggested that in cases where there was little difference, the engineers should be asked to decide. It was clear that they were all in favour of giving preference to British goods. The engineer pointed out that in the case of distinct difference in price the matter was always brought before the board. The chairman : "As far as this board is concerned, the only items that are likely to be concerned are transformers and motors. Our copper wire comes from Britain."

Mr Robertson, realising that it was the intention of the board to observe the spirit of the resolution, asked permission to withdraw his resolution.

Mr J. Mackie: "I am glad that Mr Robertson has withdrawn his resolution, because it would be wrong for this board to be tied down to giving preference to the extent of any specified amount."