"ONLY BRITISH GOODS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 663, 15 May 1929, Page 16

"ONLY BRITISH GOODS”

TRANSPORT BOARD SUPPLIES MEMBER’S SUGGESTION “Take only British goods. We as a people are giving the foreign nations too much as it is, and I do not see why we should give them the lot.” 'J'HIS was the advice given- to the Auckland Transport Board by a member, Mr. M. J. Coyle, yesterday afternoon when the question of the supply of engineering equipment was under consideration. Opinions expressed freely indicated a general desire that British material should he given preference. The board, however, declined to commit itself to a definite policy of preference to Britain and more will he heard when tenders are received. As a first part of its extension programme the board decided to put the Point Chevalier and Dominion Road extensions in hand concurrently, and at the earliest possible date, and that on completipn of the latter work the Remuera extension should be proceeded with. The manager, Mr. A. E. Ford, advised that specifications for the overhead equipment and cables for these lines were being prepared, and with the chairman, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, he was authorised to invite tenders as soon as they were ready. “You will give preference to British goods?” asked Mr. E. H. Potter. “I am in sympathy with that up to 100 per cent., but should we not decide that when the tenders are received?” Mr. Allum replied. “If the board is going to accept only British tenders, let us put that fact in the specifications. Let us be frank about it, and not put these other people to the expense of tendering. If we can get earlier delivery from j another country, what are we going | to do? I sincerely hope the British' manufacturers rise to the occasion and that they get our business.” “I am as British as anyone,” said Mr. E. J. Phelan, “and I want the British manufacturers to get our orders, but there are other points. We must get this work in hand as quickly as possible, and we should not have to pay too much for the preference.”