BUYING BRITISH GOODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20255, 15 May 1929, Page 14

BUYING BRITISH GOODS.

TRANSPORT BOARD'S POLICY. POSTPONEMENT OF DECISION. Although the Transport Board yesterday declined to commit itself to a policy of preference fop British goods, on a snap division decidedly pro-British sentiments were expressed by the members.

As a first part of its extension programme the board decided to put the Point Chevalier and Dominion Road extensions in hand concurrently, and at the earliest possible- date, and that on completion of the latter work the Remuera extension should be proceeded with. The manager, Mr. A. E. Ford, advised that specifications for the overhead equipment and cables for these lines were being prepared, and with the chairman, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, he was authorised to invite teijders as soon as they were ready. "You will give preference to British goods ?" asked Mr. E. H., Potter. "I am in sympathy with that up to 100 per cont., but should We not decide that when the tenders are received ?" Mr. Allum said in reply. "Take only British goods," Mr. M. J. Coyle said. . "We as a people are giving the foreign nations too much as it is, and I do not see why we should give thciri the lot."

Mr. Allum: If the board is going to accept only British tenders let us put that fact in the specifications. Let us be frank about it, and not put these other people to the expense of tendering. If we can get earlier delivery from another country, what aro wo going to do ? I sincerely hope the British manufacturers rise to the occasion and that they get our business." Mr Potter said- the Auckland Power Board gave British goods preference and it had paid. Ho called for a show of hands on the question. Mr. Phelan objected to this. "I am as British as anyone," he said, "and I want the British manufacturers to get our oiders, but there are other points. We must, Ret this work in hand as quickly as possible, and we should not have to pay too much for the preference."

The cmestion will come up again when the tenders are received.