ENGLISH MACHINERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9917, 4 August 1910, Page 3

ENGLISH MACHINERY.

A QUESTION OF IMPORTATION. IRONMASTERS' PROTEST. [Per Pbkss Association,} "WELLINGTON. August 4. A deputation representing the Now Zealand. Ironmasters'- Association waited upon the Minister of Customs today and put before him certain' matters affecting the industry. Tbo chief subject' brought under the Minister's notice- was that the Waihi-Paeroa Gold Extraction Company, which is applying to the Government for a loan of £30,000, has accepted a, tender for sixteen tube machines from an English firm, which under the present tariff can import machinery free. The deputation contended that if the Government lent New Zealand money, it was only reasonable to ask that the money as far as possible, be spent in New Zealand. It was mentioned that the tenders cf manufacturers in New Zealand wore only slightly in excess ol: the lowest English tender. la replying to. these and other representations, the Minister said that any proposal to revise tlie\ tariff opened up a very big question. "When the tariff wns passed the Government was criticised severely for thft steps it had taken in the interests of the engineering trade. Ho agreed with the deputation that it a company would receive a considerable snnr of money from the Government, such a- company ought to give consideration to local industries. ITe promised to bring the matter hefore the- Minister of Finance.