PATRIOTISM IN TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20172, 5 February 1929, Page 11

PATRIOTISM IN TRADE.

POWER BOARD PURCHASES.

'BRITISH AND SWISS GOODS

The recent decision of the Auckland Electric-Power Board to place orders with a British firm and a Swiss firm for 1000 electric time switches or clocks fiom each firm for use on hot-water systems was referred to Mr. T. Blood worth at a meeting of the board yesterday. Taking into consideration that the British clocks were £1 dearer than the Swiss make, Mr. Bloodworth said he did not see why, when the Government already assisted the British article with a preferential tariff, local bodies should show further favour. Mr. Bloodworth said he was absent from the meeting when the decision was made. On an order of 1000 clocks placed with the British firm they were paying £IOOO more than they need. The board used 2000 of the clocks each year, and this payment would therefore be a recurring one.

The chairman, Mr. W. J, Holdsworth, said Mr. Bloodworth apparently did not understand the position. The ordering of 1000 clocks from the British firm did not bind them to any future undertaking. The general manager had .stated both makes of clocks could stand up to the work required of them. "I was anxious to be fair in the matter and had one make of »ach type of clock dismantled," said Mr. Holdsworth. Even to the lay eye the British clocks showed superiority in various parts. The spring, for instance, was much stronger than that of the Swiss clock. We did not want to study the original cost, but. the years of service the clocks would give." Other power boards were following thenexample. By ordering a number of both brands of clocks they could make a fail test. He believed the board had acted verv wisely in making its decision. Before Mr. Holdsworth made his explanation, which was accepted by the board, Mr. E. H Totter protested against the board departing from its policy of purchasing only British goods.