PREFERENCE TO BRITAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19698, 26 July 1927, Page 11

PREFERENCE TO BRITAIN.

POWER BOARD'S SUPPLIES

A QUESTION OF POLICY

The question of giving preference to British-made goods was again before members of the Waitemata Electric-Power Board yesterday. The board had before it a motion by Mr. H. A. Robertson to the effect that the board should accept as its policy the advertising for its requirements from all sources and should give preference to British-made articles to the extent of 10 per cent. Further, that the preference be given only when the article was certified by the engineer to be equal in quality and service to the foreign article. The chairman, Mr. J. W. Hayden, read a letter from the Consul for Belgium at Wellington, in which were quoted statistics showing that exports from the Dominion to Belgium had increased in value from £SOOO in 1921 to £171,000 in 1926. It was also pointed out that Great Britain imported a large number of Bel-gium-made manufactures. "The trouble with trade between New Zealand and other Continental countries is that there are no direct shipments," stated Mr. S. E. Kennings. "The goods haye first of all to be shipped through Great Britain." The chairman said lie did not think Mr. Robertson's motion was a solution to the question. He would like to see it altered in some way and a better suggestion put forward. The problem was a difficult one and he would like, to see it settled. A Member: The whole problem is to arrive at some decision as a guide to our engineer. The Chairman: I would suggest that when there is any material difference in favour of the foreign article, the matter be referred back to the board. Since our last discussion on this question I have been approached bv a large number of people who favoured giving from 5 to 50 per cent, preference to British goods. Mr. if. Mackie said he did not approve of quibbling over the matter. He thought the board should have laid down a definite policy in the first place. The chairman stated that the only equipment which would concern the board were transformers and motors. 'I he copper wire all came from Great Britain. On Mr. Robertson withdrawing his motion, the discussion ended.