Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated “THE EGMONT SETTLER" Established 1890. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1931 BRITISH GOODS THAT WEREN’T

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 84, 18 March 1931, Page 4

Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated “THE EGMONT SETTLER" Established 1890. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1931 BRITISH GOODS THAT WEREN’T

THE Wellington "Post” draws attention to the experience of a Dunedin firm of furniture makers who found that British goods are not always British. The firm in question was attracted last year by a circular from a Birmingham firm that advertises itself as “manufacturers and patentees of solid-head furniture naiis,” and, as the sample of nails sent and the price thereof seemed to be all right, an order was sent for a sample consignment, says the Dunedin “Star.” This duly arrived, but to the Dunedin firm's surprise and disgust it was notified on the accompanying invoice that the nails were made in Germany. Clause 15 of the Customs form conveys the instruction: “Insert ‘Great Britain’ or other part of British Dominions,” and the one word there inserted is “Germany,” without any explanation as to what part of the British Dominions Germany is in. The Dunedin firm consequently had to pay about 15 per cent, preference duty, making the nails cost as much as bona fide British nails if bought in Dunedin. That, however, is not tire New Zealand grievance. It is that a British firm should send German nails while the British as a body are pressing the Dominions for trade. Another case of much the same nature is also brought to notice —British - made cigarettes packed in cartons that are plainly labelled “Made in Germany.” Surely the old traditions as to British good faith are not weakening! AN EFFICIENT POSTMASTER THE departure of Mr. J. H. Fletcher, who has been Postmaster here for some few years, will be regretted by all, but more particularly by the business community, to whom he has been of the greatest assistance during his term. That Mr. Fletcher has given good service to his Department is borne out by the fact of his being given charge of a larger office. His good service to the community is generally recognised. He has always been alive to the interests of his service, but it could never be said that he was hound up in red tape, for when a request making for greater convenience of customers of the Post Office was put before him, lie usually found some way of meeting the requests, if there wore no conflict with the interests of his Departemnt. The result is that the Postal service in Stratford is belli in high regard, ami it can be said that there is no ollice in New Zealand where greater attention is paid to the requirements of the public. As far as we ourselves are concerned we must take the opportunity of thanking him for the many directions in which he has helped us. A newspaper, especially an evening paper, which has to work against time always, has to depend upon the Post and Telegraph Department for a great deal. Many Press telegrams are received through the day, some coining in right up to the time a paper goes to press. In addition news conies in by post and also I, t. iephone, and anything in the nature of a delay would cause much inconvenience. During Mr. Fletcher’s term there has been no cause for complaint, and, like others using the Post Office, we extend thanks for f he splendid service rendered. Stratford people will all wish Mr. Fletcher every success in the future.