MACHINERY CONTRACTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1919, Page 4

MACHINERY CONTRACTS.

UNABLE TO FILL ORDERS. WELLINGTON, March 14. A deputation representing tlio British Manufacturers anil Agents Association to-day interviewed the Minister of Munitions and Supplies in connection with a number of contracts entered into with local bodies in various parts of the Dominion under war conditions. The contracts had been let early in the war for machinery, and the orders were accepted in England. Their New Zealand agents were advised later that owing to the war conditions the orders could not be filled, permission to manufacture not being obtainable from the British Ministry of Munitions. About six months ago permission was grant-

oil, but the manufacturing firms then advised their Neiv Zealand, representatives that the prices would have to be greatly' increased ; otherwise the orders must be cancelled. Now the New Zealand representatives were called upon to carry out the contracts at the original prices. The .Minister, replying, said the diffi-j culty presented was not easy of solution. The arrangements had been made during the war, and the responsibility was on those entering into the contracts to see that they safeguarded themselves. The question was whether the Government was prepared to take any action that would assist. He would discuss the matter with the Attorney-General and subsequently would place-it before the Cabinet. The Government had considered the question when the legislation of 1917 was framed, but only as it affected N.Z contracts.