BOUGHT FOREIGN VEHICLES

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1927, Page 3

BOUGHT FOREIGN VEHICLES

TWO BOARDS ASKED TO EXPLAIN WELLINGTON, Dec. 8. The action of the Wellington Hospital Board and the Wellington Fire Board in purchasing an ambulance chassis and hose carriage repoctively, tiiat were ol foreign manufacture, in prefernco to the British article, camo in for criticism by Mr D. F. Ban-

chop, at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Association of British Manufacturers and Agents last even-

ing. “The Hospital Board called for tenders for an ambulance chassis, ’’ said Mr Bauehop, “but the terms of the tender wore a bar against the British article. A specification of' a six-cy-linder engine, and detachable rims barred the British manufacturer.” Mr Bauehop went on to say that the lire Board had called for tenders for two hose carriages. Those of British make were submitted, and it was agreed that they filled the bill. Both, makes selected, however, were American, and both were tried out before their purchase, although those of British make were not treated similarly. “Tf seems unfortunate that an English article did not have a fair run.” said Air L A. Edwards, “and it looks very much ns if the vehicles were selected before the tenders were called, for T know of no British vehicle that has detachable rims.”

A member: AVas the British article so much dearer that it could not he considered ? “I should say,” replied Air BnuclioP. “that there is no doubt that the American price was considerably higher.” The Association decided to write to both Boards, and ask them why the British article was not suitable, and whore tie- deficiency lay in its manufacture. It was also agreed to ask the Fire Board why the British hose carriers were not given a try-out. as those of foreign manufacture were.