BRITISH STOVES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22540, 3 October 1936, Page 16

BRITISH STOVES

POWER BOARD ORDER CHEAPER THAN NEW ZEALAND EXPLANATION BY MANAGER A denial that the Auckland Power Board was not doing all that was possible to encourage Dominion industries was. made yesterday by the general manager. Mr. H. If. Hartley, in answering a complaint that the board had recently given an order for English-made stoves in preference to New Zealand stoves which were approximately £1 dearer each. It is stated that New Zealand stoves are now dearer than thc.v were because of the increased labour costs. Mr. Bartley said the board had recently called for tenders for 500 electric ranges. There was a considerable difference between the New Zealand and the British tenders, while the British stove was a much better article. The board,' after giving the matter careful consideration, was of the opinion that it had no option but to accept the tender of the British firm and thus save approximately L'oOO. At the same time, in order to encourage the New Zealand market, it gave an order for 250 Dominion-made ranges. It was also buying New Zealand stoves of another manufacture at a price in advance of that for the British article in order to fill its requirements. "A representative of the Department of Industries and Commerce interviewed the board at a special meeting," continued Mr. Bartley, "and I think 1 am safe in saying that the department is quite conversant with the board s position and realises the board is doing all that is possible in the circumstances to assist local industry."