DELAY OVER STEEL

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21167, 17 July 1940, Page 9

DELAY OVER STEEL

NEW EXPORT WHARF GOVERNMENT HELP SOUGHT (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Tuesday The Auckland Chamber of Commerce has asked the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, if supplies of steel could be diverted from Australia in order to hasten progress on the new export wharf. It suggested that the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, who is in Australia, should exert his influence to expedite deliveries. The Prime Minister has replied that he is arranging for the representations to be looked into. The chamber also wrote to the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, pointing out the slow progress made with the wharf, although the buildings had been completed. If deliveries of steel from Australia could not be expedited, it asked whether steel could be released from stocks held by the Public Works Department. In reply, Mr Semple said that the Public Works stocks of steel were very low, and it was doubtful if the sizes held would be of any use to the board. However, if the board would submit a list of the sizes required he would see if the department could assist. If it were not able to give assistance, the only alternative was for the Minister of Supply to expedite delivery of orders.