AMERICA GETS IT

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12210, 7 August 1925, Page 6

AMERICA GETS IT

PURCHASE OF ROAD ROLLER BRITAIN ML NOT SUPPLY COMPARISON IN FIGURES At last has a definite decision been reached in connection -with the controversy over the decision of the Oity Council to include in its order for road rollers a mjachinje of American-design. After the British interests had been given an opportunity of supplying a machine of tie design and with the qualifications required, it has been found that this is not available, and the tenders decided upon by the City Council will go forth for fulfilment. The whole position was reviewed by the Mayor (Mr C. J. B. Norwood) when speaking to a reporter last evening. “So much has been said about the question,”, he remarked, “that to merely state that a roller is to be purchased seems to me v hardly sufficient. A great deal of comment has been - made through the Press and otherwise on the decision of the council to buy on the advice of its experts an American steam roller, and it is time that the public was fully enlightened on the matter. “The council held np the, purchase of the roller pending inquiries which were made at the instigation of a deputation of the British Manufacturers’ Association, to see if a roller possessing the features, required by our experts could be secured from their firms in Britain. ' f THREE ESSENTIALS “The replies are now to hand,' and I regret to say that- the British manufacturers could not 1 see their way dear to equip their respective machines with the required size roller, though' in severed instances replies were covered by the statements that similar rollers of .the standard plant were eijually - efficient. , . “There are- three main features which induced the purchase of the BuffaloSpringfield (American) machine: “ (1.) A larger diameter roller, giving a greater are of contact, or in other words, a greater bearing surface “(2.) A larger boiler which. facilrtates firing, and adds greatly to the flexibility in power; “(3.) Perfect governing, maintaining the same speed, regardless of the load. BRITAIN UNWILLING “The first point is regarded by the experts as of paramount importance, and approaches nearest to the ideal set out by one of the most eminent British roading engineers, whose work has been used largely as a guide throughout our city paving operations to date. The, second point is also regarded as im-‘ portent, but ; I was prepared to waive this in order to facilitate the purchase of a British' machine, and trust the British manufacturer to supply sufficient power to drive it. (The third qualification I find cannot he supplied by the British manufacturer without the addition of extra equipment which is not supplied-on the standard model. “As a result of the unwillingness of the British manufacturers to equip their machines , with the-largeirroller, I have no alternative than to : support the. direction of the. council as it stands. The orders will therefore go forward as follow: '“The. Advance, three-wheel type, with compensating rear wheel—Messrs Wallis and Steevens, of Basingstoke. Hampshire, England, through-Messrs Dory, Wright and Salmon, Wellington. The Buffalo Springfield, Springfield, Ohio, through Messrs J. Chambers' and Sons, Wellington.”

IN FAVOUR OF BRITAIN As an 'illustration of the difference between tbe present position and a previous occasion when an American plant was secured, the Mayor said that the previous council purchased an. almost similar, plajit which cost £8392, of which amount £3079 went to British and local manufacturers, and £5313 to Amerjeai—a figure of £2234 in favour of America. , On the present occasion the plant was to cost £9027, ‘‘of which £BOI2 was to go to British and local manufacturers:, and only £lOls to Amerioar—a difference in favour of Britain of £6997. ; “I a maware,” continued Mr Norwood, "that the-interested associations took the matter up then in any serious way.' Much as I wish to aid the British manufacturer at the present time, I feel that.it would not he in the interests of the. public to override entirely the technical staff of the council, whose experience of both machines is considerable.”