TRAMWAY UNIFORMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13234, 20 July 1906, Page 7

TRAMWAY UNIFORMS.

LOCAL VERSUS HOMIS MANUFACTURK. RESOLUTION BY .THE. CITY ' COUNCIL. The question of local versus Home manufacture in the matter of' tramway uniforms was again referred to at (lie meeting of the City Council last evening. The matter was brought forward in the form of a letter from Mr. P. M. Hansen, managing director of the Tramways Company, who said: "My company has, with due regard to the deed of delegation, used all reasonable endeavours to procure such uniforms locally, and we find that the locally-produced article is not only 20 per cent, dearer (after allowing for duty, etc.) than the imported one, but the imported article is also of far superior make , and finish. If the, local manufacturers are in a position to satisfactorily compete with the imported article your Council can rest assured that my company will continue to place our orders locally in the same way as we have done for the last three years and a-half." The Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers) ■ moy.cd that the letter bo received and that a replybe sent to the Tramways Company suggesting that upon the next- occasion when they are getting in a supply of uniforms they should endeavour, even at a small advance in the cost, to give preference to local manufacturers. Mr. John Court said lie did not agree that the Tramways Company could obtain the uniforms oil better terms from Home than locally. They might get them cheaper, but he was certain that the quality was not at. all comparable with the New Zealand material, lie was not aware that the company had called for tenders here, and submitted that they should bo■ required .to do so on the next occasion. , Mr. L. J. Bagnall asked if there was any provision in the deed whereby some officer of the Council could make an inspection and see if what the company said was correct. The Mayor: In a general way tilings should be obtained locally if possible. Mr. A. .1. Entriean considered that the resolution should be worded a little stronger, and suggested that it should be added that the Council expresses the opinion that the uniforms ought to be made locally, .and that the Tramways Company when next ordering any should invite tenders in the colony. He thought., they should insist on that. The Mayor adopted the suggestion of Mr. Entriean, and added it to his motion, which was then put and carried.