BRITISH v. GERMAN GOODS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2862, 20 January 1909, Page 4

BRITISH v. GERMAN GOODS.

QUESTION OF PREFERENCE

AUCKLAND, January 15. The question of preference for British' goods over German manufactures was brought up at to-day's meeting of the Harbour Board in committee, during a. discussion as to the -tenders fop the 12 new cranes which the board i« going tit procure. The engineer of the board (Mr W. H. Hamer) and Mr Stanley Bright (consulting engineer and electrical engineer to the London and India Docks) reported in favour of the tender of su German firm, Messrs Mabil and Kaempe, whese tender, after including the 10 pcr 1 cent, preference duty imposed on German goods, ,was still the lowest. The nexfc lowest tender was that of the English) firm of Messrs Babcock and Wilcox. Mr J. B. M'Farlane struck the patriotia keynote by saying that nothing could beatf British machinery for conscientious workmanship and superior durability, and he also indicated that the Harbour Board should^ follow out the preferential policy that New Zealand foadi adopted. Mr H. J. Bradney said he considered! that the difference in price might mean that there was a great difference in the quality of the crane.

It was suggested that the traffic manager of the board be invited to furnish a report on the subject, but Mr J. K. Kn'een thought this would be a sheer waste of time.

Erenuvtlly the committee deferred consideration of the matter for a, fortnight.