GOVERNMENT PURCHASING METHODS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2917, 1 November 1916, Page 6

GOVERNMENT PURCHASING METHODS

STRICT SUPERVISION

The N.Z. Government, in conjunction with the Imperial Government, is probably purchasing more fanning products and manufactured goods than all other dealers in New Zealand combined. Buying in such huge quantities and appretl'e great loss that would follow if faulty or low-grade produce or materials were exported, Government officials aro exercising extreme care, and all purchases are critically examinecT* goods of .doubtful quality beinir promptly rejected. This refere to good for bot'h war and civil purposes, and the manufacturers or agents dealing in. second-grade goods receive a poor hearing where the Government Departments are concerned. How careful tho Postal and Military Departments are before committing themselves to even comparatively small purchases was demonstrated wlien Messrs. Early Bros., of 59 Cuba Street, Wellington, the N.Z. Agents, first introduced their "Wizard Lighting Systems" to their notice. At that time, June, ,1915, the "Wizard" Light was practically unknown in New Zealand, and Acetvleno Gas and Kerosene Lamps were use'd in practically all country Post Offices. Other, systems had been tried without success, so the officials were not prepared to purchase on an ordinary demonstration. To overcome this difficulty the agents undertook to send n fitter to South Otago and instal a fiix-point plant at the Awarua Wireless Station on trial, at their own risk and expense. This Station, which is in charge of a competent officer, gave the Department an opportunity tu test the plant under severo conditions, ?.s the Station works , all night, and the lamps were kept burning for about twelve hours out of tho twenty-four. After a three months' test, the officer in charge was able to report that the plant was satisfactory in every way ,* one tin of benzine lasted longer than three tins of kerosene had done previously; and sevoral times more light was obtained. At the then price ot' benaini tho average cost of running the lamps was less than one penny for three hours, and no expense was incurred for mantles or globes. On the recommendation of the officer in charge another plant was installed in tho engine-room of the same Station, and other orders quickly followed for two "Wizard" plants for tho Awanui Wireless Station at the extreme end of the North' Island, and for a number of country Post Office Buildings. "Wizard" lamps are still being specified for country Post Offices. Tho following letter has been received by the agents from the Acting-Telegraph Engineer, Dunedin:-; Sirs,—. I am authorised to advise you that tho "Wizard" Gas Lighting Systems installed by you at tho Awarua. Radio and other stations have proved quite satisfactory to the Department. Yours faithfully. (Signed) R. P. VEITCB, Acting-Telegrapli Engineer. Tho "Wizard" Light is also being used extensively in Trentham and other Military Camps. The following is an extract from a report made by tho Military Authorities after a careful test. "COST.—Petrol at lis. 6d. per tin of four gallons. . . . This works out at 240 hours (approximately), each succeeding 100 hours light costing 2s. 4Jd„ subject to the fluctuation in tlie cost of petrol " "■DISTRIBUTION.—Tho Lamp jjives a (steady white light, sufficient to illuminatooneMnrquoe sufficiently for tho ordinary purposes of reading and writing. In tho open, tho lamp covers an area approximately 50 paces radius, (showing up objects at that distance. At 10 paces tho light is just clcar enough to enablo pencil-writing to be read." "CONSTRUCTION. —Genera uy sound. Tho Petrol Reservoir is apparently made of steel, securely riveted, and should stand up well to anything but severe crushing."

"FACILITY'. —Tho Lam n gives an. effi • cient light when charged with any of tho Oils, of or about tho fame Specific Gravity of American (Petroleum) Benzine. i.e., .67 to .7."

"The foregoing report is based upon results of actual tests. In comparison -with Kerosene (Hurricane) Lumps, tho initial cost is Inch, but tho consequent reduction of expense in making good waste and breakage would be vastly reduced, and the general question of lighting be brought to a much ftnor margin between cost and results. Tho 'Wizard' Lama is, in my opinion, a lamp of great utility and long servico."

1 he Salvation. Army Hall is the larcest I and finest Hall in Trentham Military I Camp, and although electric light is | available, the Captain in charge prefers the "Wizard" Light, and soldier*! and visiti«<r concert parties are agreed that no Hall in Camp is so brilliantly lighted, and it is largely on this account that all important concerts Jind official gatherings take place in this Hall, under the cheerful Tays of the "Wizard" Light. Before he left for tho front. Caotaiu Garner wrote;— i Dear Sirs. — 1 It is with great pleasure that I write to let you know how satisfactory the "Wizard" Lights are proving. We have not had one moment of trouble with them, and the mmi are d"li>rhted with the soft light. We also find the Lamps most economical, and in every way the best light wo havo ever had in any of our Marnueps or Institutes. (Signer) CAPT. E. L. pATiNUR, Trentham Military Camp. Fanners and country should write t" Messrs. Earlv Bros., 50 Cuba Street, Wellington, at once for Tiricc nml particulars of "Wizard Lightill" Systems." All plants aro guaranteed for FIVFi yeirs, and are nnnroveil liv the. N. 71. Fire ITndenvriters. "Wizard" Lamps are classified with electric light and coal "as for insurance purpose*. and no extra insurance is charged on n buildin" where "Wizard" plants are installed. Nearly two thousand plants have already been sold in th» Dominion.—(Published by arrangement.)