Pioneer of mechanical equipment hire service

Press, 11 April 1979, Page 17

Pioneer of mechanical equipment hire service

One of the pioneers of the hire service in New Zealand 30 years ago, Mr Tony Cowper, is still actively involved in the game in Christchurch as equipment manager for Hirepool. Mr C.owper recalls that Rental Services, Ltd, started in New Zealand as the first firm specialising in renting mechanical equipment and tools. This was

only three months after Moodys Hire Sendee started by renting different lines for such needs as catering equipment, domestic, nursery and camping purposes. “Initially, we had to sell the new idea of being able to rent equipment to the trade and public,” Mr Comper says. “The advantages of hiring equipment rather than

“The savings in hiring things include not only the capital outlay in buying the machine but also no

buying' it ao.on became apparent, particularly if the equipment was only used infrequently.

cost for service and maintenance.

“Now we rtent only first rate equipment because the essential thii?(g is to have units that look the part and do the joto. ‘“Over the years the hire idea has b«ic.<Jne more established and a recognised busljness, mainly because of the rising cost of equipment and repairs. “Of course, hire costs have gone up too but the principle of saving on equipment for which there is little use is obvious. “We have also established,the great standby insurance idea for when your own equipment breaks down.

“Buying oriel's own equipment includes the problems of capita] outlay, service, repair and secure storage. One can avoid these by hiring. Normal repairs are expensive unless you are big enough to own your own repair sh.op. “The rental game has now been accepted for 30 years, including even in small towns, where there is no end to the items you can hire.”

As a perftectionist also with the English language, Mr Cowper is quick to point out the actual difference in meaning of the terms “hire,” “rent” and “lease.”

According to him, the United States is .one of the few countries which still uses the English language correctly with these words.

“Who’s the hirer, the one who hires the object out or the one that uses it?” Mr Cowper asks. “And the/term ‘hire purchase’ is another question again. “For instance when you rent a car, you are taking the car .only. But if you hire it, you are also hiring a driver, as in a taxi. “Hirepool rents most of its equipment, except for the hydraulic hoists, which are hired with an operator. “Leasing is another matter again, which applies to taking things on a longer term basis, such as leasing a television set for a year .or leasing a house or flat.”