STATE HOUSING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 26 October 1938, Page 9

STATE HOUSING

ANOTHER MONOPOLY ? COMPLAINT BY BUREAU OF IMPORTERS The Bureau of Importers issues the following statement: — Recently we made reference to a monopoly granted to a local manufacturer of corrugated asbestos cement sheeting. This month there has come to our notice the case of another monopoly which has been “bestowed” upon a local manufacturer and Government contractor. This monopoly also hinges round the present Government housing scheme. A local representative of one of the largest switch works in England employing approximately 5,000 workers, has received an intimation from the Director of Housing Construction, couched in the following terms: “Messrs Blank Ltd., (N.Z. Manufactures) are producing a flush switch, which, as you are no doubt aware, has passed the tests required by the Public Works Department. In conformation with the announced policy of the Government that articles of New Zealand manufacture are to receive preference in the construction of State houses, my Department will in future be allowing the use of these switches so long, of course, as they continue to prove satisfactory.” It is particularly interesting to note that the local manufacturer whose switches are now being specified is already receiving exclusive specification on ceiling roses, plugs, and bases and other electrical lines. It makes one wonder just when this indiscriminate granting of monopolies is going to end. Five amp. flush switches, especially made to comply with New Zealand demand are manufactured by four English switch manufacturers, and we find on enquiry that stocks of 250 gross are held and are on order by New Zealand electrical wholesalers. These were largely ordered to supply Government housing requirements.

Here we have the case of another British line, already burdened with freight, exchange and tariff charges, prohibited from being used in any Government houses. The question of costs is not the deciding factor. The point is that the alternative article is being used regardless of price, on the that it is made in New Zealand One more line which in the past has been used extensively and gjven the utmost satisfaction has been branded what might be aptly called a "Government reject”. We readily concede that the value of the annual imports of this commodity may not be large, but along with other lines which have been similarly rejected there is represented in the aggregate a substantial sum of money. Then too, we must remember that another English manufacturer will be expressing righteous indignation at the action of the New Zealand Government. One of these mornings we shall wake up and find that these British manufacturers who have been penalised have taken joint action and that when Britain has “reciprocated” by placing a tariff and/or quota on our butter the Government, fnaybe, will realise the folly of its ways.