PATRIOTISM UNDER THE MICROSCOPE.

Shannon News, 15 March 1929, Page 2

PATRIOTISM UNDER THE MICROSCOPE.

HOSPITAL BOARD PURCHASE. Occasionally at local body meetings the patriotism of members is put -to the test when foreign competitors place before them temptation in the'foim of considerably cheaper commodities. Such an occasion occurred at the meeting of the PoJmerston North Hospital Board yesterday, when the secretary reported, that a German microscope of repute could be secured for £35, whereas an English instrument of equal capacity would cost £55, The chairman (Sir J. G. Wilson): Personally, I don't like German things. Mr J. K. Horn Mow: Neither do I. Mr J. A. Nash: Hear, hear.

The secretary (Mr A. J. Phillipps) reported that the German instrument was the world's best and would be the same as one at Massey College; The chairman moved that the English be purchased and Mr G. P. Oatley seconded.

Mr Hornblow: While I am as patriotic as you are, sir, should we not leave this purchase to the experts. We know/the German is the finest in the world. It is no good allowing patriotism to stand in the way. of efficiency; whether the microscope be Chinese or German. There were some surgeons, he said, who . pinned their faith to German blade*. '•€!

The Chairman: We arc going to gee the best. (To Mr Hornblow): I don't like you standing up for German steel. English steel is better than German. Mr Hornblow: I am only telling you what a surgeon told me. Mr Moody: What kind of microscope has .Massey College? Members: German. A member: We are a cut above that crowd, surely. Mr Hornblow: The purchase of the instrument should be left in the hands of those best qualified to know "what is best.

Mr Monk: It is a question of quality. The chairman asked if the Board would leave the matter in the hands of the experts. Mr V. E. Smith: What does that, mean ?

The Secretary: It will place tha onus on Dr. Ward and the bacteriologist. Mr Smith: I thought we decided on an English machine. The. chairman had not put his motion, .but did so at this juncture and it was carried.