HOSPITAL BOARD

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12198, 24 July 1925, Page 6

HOSPITAL BOARD

AND BRITISH PREFERENCE PLAIN SPEAKING TO CITY COUNCIL ENGLISH MOTOR AMBULANCE PURCHASED "One public body in Wellington is unduly favouring America, and I am pleased that this recommendation has been made.’ 1 This remark was made at the meeting of the Wellington Hospital Board yesterday, when the finance committee recommended that the tender of Magnus Motors, Ltd.; be accepted for a new motor ambulance van, Austin 20 chassis, at £755 complete. Mr F. Castle, in moving the adoption of the recommendation, said the board had had experience of American and English motors,.,and they had come to the decision that it would he wiser to have the English inake. Taking the hoard’s experience of the ambulance which was doing satisfactory service today after twelve years, and taking the - specifications, together with the engineer's recommendation, the committee recommended it with confidence that it would give the service required. Mr O. H. Chapman remarked that it was something to be pleased about that a British oar was .. being obtained, especially at a time when there seemed to be a desire to fall on the shoulders of America.. They should remember a poll-tax levied on those who desired to enter America, and'the high Jirotection imposed against New Zeaand, articles going into America. “These things should not be forgotten, for one public body in Wellington is unduly .favouring America, and I am pleased that this recommendation has been made.” Mr E. Vine remarked that it was easier for a Chinaman to enter New Zealand than for a New Zealander to enter Amerioa. Mr F. Castle said he did not think the committee was unduly influenced in favour of the English make, but by the fact that it was the best article and would give the best result. The recommendation was unanimously adopted. The committee further recommended that the tender of the British Imperial Oil Company be accepted for supplies of “Shell” motor spirit and oils for period of one year, commencing August Ist (motor spirit 16s 6d per case, oils 4s and 4s 6d per gallon). Mr Appleton moved that the recommlendation be referred back as the board would gain no financial advantage, and they should not depart from the procedure of giving orders to local dealers. ’

The Rev. J. Loohore supported the committee because the recommendation would support a British industry. Mr Appleton: This is not a question of British industry. Mr Castle: There is no competition in motor spirit, and if the board took a contract it might influence competition.

The committee’s recommendation was adopted.