PRINCIPLE VERSUS MONEY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19020, 16 November 1923, Page 3

PRINCIPLE VERSUS MONEY.

PURCHASE OF TYPEWRITERS. BRITISH OR AMERICAN MAKE? (Feom Odu Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, November 14. There was an atmosphere of post-war enthusiasm for British-made goods about the discussion at the 'meeting of Technical College Board of Managers last evening with regard to the supply of new typewriters for the college. The matter has been before the board on several occasions, and at . a previous meeting a resolution was passed leaving the purchase of the machines in the hands of the director (Mr G. J. Park). At last evening’s meeting he presented a report stating that he had made exhaustive investigations into the merits of all leading machines, and recommended the purchase of 20 machines of a popular American make, and that a similar purchase be made with the funds available for the purpose next year. A member of the board asked why American machines had been chosen when British goods wore available. Such a purchase as that contemplated would have the effect of excluding British machines from offices in which Technical School pupils would suhsequentlv work, for immediately a girl took a position she would ask her employer for the machine to which she was accustomed, and he would get it for her. This was not the way in which to foster trade within the Empire. The director explained that financial considerations had had a .great deal to do with the matter, the American company being the onlv one which would take old machines in part payment. They were offering new ones on exceptionally favourable terms, and the sum in hand would thus procure far more American machines than British. The college was urgently in need of new typewriters, and it was important that rU should be of the same make so ns to facilitate the work of instruction. A long argument ensued, several memfievo holding staunchly to the old dictum, ‘‘lt’s not the money; it’s the principle of the thing,” while others were of the opinion that, monev counted for quite a lot, inasmuch ns ?fl hadly-nceded machines could he procured if (he principle was waived, whereas a verv much smaller number would he available if the principle outweighed the financial aspect At length it was decider] thru nue British machine he purchased for trial purposes.