TELEGRAPH INSULATORS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1560, 23 September 1886, Page 3

TELEGRAPH INSULATORS.

A deputation waited upon the Premier at Dunedin on Monday and pointed oat that the specification* for the manufacture of telegraph insulators were of each a character as to preclude local competition. If altered 60 or 60 men in the colony could find employment. Sir B, Stout replied that the Government desired to encourage local induetries where it was possible, but Dr Lemon was of opinion that suitable clay could not be obtained in the colony, He understood that if the insulators were manufactured here the clay would have to be imported. If suitable materials were obtainable here preference would be given, even at a slight increase. He would communicate with Sir Julias Togel, Regarding the manufacture of insulators, Government is desirous of getting them manufactured in the eolony if possible, and the time for receiving has three times been extended. Government has received many representations on the subject, but as it is absolutely necessary to have a damp-proof article it has been compelled to make conditions very stringent. It has been asked to allow salt glaze ..to be used, but it is not considered equal to the ,glaze required. Colour is another difficulty: Government, recognising the importance of the subjoot, is anxious to see the manufacture established in the colony, but objects to heavy additional expenditure being imposed on the Telegraph Department in order to encourage colonial industry in preference to the imported article.