ELECTRICAL GOODS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2594, 16 October 1915, Page 10

ELECTRICAL GOODS

IN SHORT SUPPLY

CONTRACTORS APPREHENSIVE

: The pinch of war is beginning to he felt in Wellington by those interested in the electrical trade. It is not nearly so easy to-<lay for an electrical firm to secure delivery of certain lines of goods as it was six months ago. Consequent upon the steady depletion of stocks of brass holders and plup—which to a very large extent were formerly imported from Germany—they aro not easily procured to-day, and if America or Japan does not come forward soon with this and other electrical small goods some embarrassment will bo experienced during tho ensuing twelve months. One very largo importer in New Zealand placed an order for goods twelve months ago. Not only has ho not received the goods, but he has not yet received an answer to his letters asking why. Ho knows the reason why well enough, but wanted it in bkek and white for record purposes. Tho manufacturers in question are 'turning out nothing but munitions of war, in common with other manufacturers of electrical goods, and orders for everyday stuff for, the colonies can well afford to wait until the war is settled. It was even found difficult to secure electrical cooking utensils. Stocks were at present loir, and it was not certain when they could be replenished.

The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) when approached about the electrical supplies for tho new Constablo Street-Crawford Road extension of the tramvays, stated that he did not think there was any reason to anticipate that iliey would he holdup over anything required for that line. At tho sanio time, no news has been received yet of thd shipment of the copper overhead' wiro for tho new section, and as copper must bo held to be a very valuable product, there may bo obstacles i>laced in t'lio way of exporting largo quantities of heavy drawn copper wire. Other electrical contractors are feeling the effect of tho war, not being ablo to secure delivery of goods ordered, and wijli a big; offensive movement forward, this position is not likely to be relieved unless America and Japan, or both, step into tho breach.

On account of tho certain fluctuation in priccs and ! the doubt as to being ablo to secure delivery, the Pahiatua Borough Council has postponed tho calling for tenders for ' instituting _ electrical works there until tho war is over—a wise step under the circumstances.