WIRE ROPE CONTRACT.

Waikato Times, Volume 120, Issue 19946, 24 July 1936, Page 9

WIRE ROPE CONTRACT.

HARBOUR BOARD TENDER. BRITISH FIRMS SUPPORTED. AUCKLAND. Thursday. There was further discussion at a meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday relating to copies of correspondence with His Majesty's Trade Commissioner. and a memorandum prepared by tlie Department of Overseas Trade, dealing with wire rope contracts. The memorandum stated that the past practice of the board in restricting the source of its supplies lo British countries had been much appreciated, and concern was felt that the board decided to withdraw that measure of British preference by placing a contract for wire rope from Germany. The United Kingdom firms slated that the reason of the much-reduced price of the German competitors was due to tlie subsidising of German exports. Mr T. A. Bishop, in moving that the explanation be accepted and that in future the British preference clause be reinstated in all contracts, said the report bore out the contention of those who supported giving the tender lo British nynul'acturers. in seconding the amendment Mr A. S. Sutherland , Xgaruawahia), said lie was now convinced I hut his action in supporting the previous umendmenls lo favour the British manufacturers was correct. He was satisfied that the- board had acted too hastily in accepting the German tender. Ho was sure the British manufacturers' report proved that. The chairman. Mr C. G. Macindoe, said the only mailer before the hoard was the receiving of the memorandum, and tiie future policy could be brought up at any time. The memorandum was received.