LICENSED IMPORTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21157, 5 July 1940, Page 9

LICENSED IMPORTS

“ATTEMPTED EXPLOITATION” POWER BOARD’S PROTEST (Special to Time*.) TE AROHA, Thursday The monthly meeting of the Thames Valley Electric-Power Board was held on Tuesday, the chairman, Mr J. Price, presiding. The Minister of Public Works advised the board that New Zealandmade transformers were available. Previously it had been the board’s policy to purchase Australian-made transformers, but, acting on the advice of the engineer, it was decided to order New Zealand transformers to the value of £1192 10s. Mr P. R. Hawke raised the question of attempted exploitation by manufacturers who held licenses to import goods, and suggested that the matter be brought to the notice of the proper authorities. It was stated that when the New Zealand manufacturers were unable to cope with the demand for electric stoves, they had been granted a license to import. For no apparent reason an extra charge of 30s a stove had been made to the purchasers. Protest against this had brought the charge down to 15s, said Mr Hawke, but finally, after a further protest from the board, it had been removed altogether. “Under the circumstances,” continued Mr Hawke, "it is reasonable to suppose the public may be being defrauded in many other instances, and I think we should report the matter.” Mr Flatt asked the chairman to bring down a report dealing with the future of the board’s employees. In view of the fact that most of the construction of new lines was completed, the board should review the whole position. This was agreed to.