AMERICAN CARS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22958, 13 August 1936, Page 12

AMERICAN CARS

PURCHASES BY GOVERNMENT CRITICISM BY OPPOSITION (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, August 12. The policy of the Government in purchasing a certain number of American motor cars was criticises by Mr A. Hamilton (Opposition. Wallace) during the discussion on *h f Estimates in the House of Repress tatives tonight. “ I would like to ask whether it is the policy of the Government to buy British cars where possible? " said Mr Hamilton. “ because I have recently noticed some Government cars that are obviously of American manufacture.” The Ministei of Finance, Mr W. Nash: They are made at Petone. Mr Hamilton: No, they are not. They may be assembled there but that does not answer the question. “ The Minister of Finance is shortly going to England advocate an interchange of goods,” added Mr Hamilton. “ What is he going to sav abou American cars then? ” The Minister of Health, Mr P. Fraser; There are some "'.ritish cars which are absolutely unsuited to our country roads.

Mr C. L. Carr (Govt., Timaru): What does it matter? All international trade is mixed up. “ We have decided that we will give preference to the car that uses the maximum amount of labour in New Zealand and has value of utility," said Mr Nash in reply. "British motor manufacturers in the past have been reluctant to establish assembly plants in New Zealand, and if they will not come here it is obvious that we must give preference to those who will and who can supply the car we want. One American company established the pioneer assembly plan* at Petone and has assembled over 35,000 cars there in addition to paying probably £500,000 in wages. If British manufacturers would come here use our materials and labour it would be easy to give them preference. As a matter of fact, they are now to open up.works here.” Mr H. G. Dickie (Opposition. Patea): American workers do not eat our foodstuffs. Mr Nash: But Petone workers do. “We will do' our best to give preference to British cars, all other things being equal.” Mr Nash concluded.