SERGE FOR UNIFORMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3765, 11 May 1926, Page 23

SERGE FOR UNIFORMS.

HARBOUR BOARD’S ORDER. LOCAL ARTICLE IGNORED. CHRISTCHURCH, May 5. A deputation from the Canterbury Industrial Association waited on the Lyttelton Harbour Board to-day and complained that in the specifications foi uniforms it was stipulated that the cloth must be Oxford eeLge. Mr E. 11. Marriner (president of the association) said that New Zealand serge was as good as any 6erge in the world, and it should be given a fair chance. The Lyttelton Board was the only one that had made the stipulation or complained of the samples of New Zealand serges, which he showed the board. He said they were as good as any that could be bought anywhere . In reply to the secretary (Mr Cyrus Williams), Mr Marriner said that the New Zealand prices were not greater than other prices, but were sometimes less. The manufacturers asked that the word “Oxford" should be struck out, leaving the tenders open. Mr S. J. Jackman said that the adverse oalance in the Dominion’s trade was a factor. The Dominion manufacturers should be given a. reasonable opportunity. Mr Marriner, in replying to Dr Thacker, said that the dyeing in New Zealand serges was absolutely satisfactory. New Zealand serges were second to none. Mr W. J. Jenkin said that New Zealand serges would stand wear and tear as well as serges from any other part of the world. The Chairman said that the deputation had stated a good case, and the board would give it full consideration. The Hon. R. Moore said that New Zealanders should be placed on the same footing os other manufacturers. The Secretary said that evidence in support of the statements made to him had not been produced to him. Dr Thacker said that the secretary must have proof that the serges offered actually were made in New Zealand The secretary *as quite right. Every New Zealander who wished to buy New Zealand goods should have a method of identifying them as New Zealand made.

Mr M. J Miller agreed with the stand taken by the secretary. The board must provide its servants with proper uniforms up to the standard, but New Zealand manufacturers should be given a chance. • The board decided that the next tenders should allow manufacturers in both New Zealand and the Old Country to tender.