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nclosure 4..
quite cheap and that British manufacturers have benefited by experience gained during the war.
I am advised, further, that the hilly roads
of this Colony are, speaking generally, not suitable for British cars,
which are not so powerfully engined as American
cars, though they are more economical if owner-driven. The
best cars are British and can hold their own, but the intermediate and cheap-priced American car is able, even with 33% duty, to compete in England with British makes,
though not to such an extent as two years ago, since the
price of British cars has come down and workmanship is
recovering its old standard.
4.
I may add that this Government is prepared
to do all in its power to co-operate in assisting British manufacturers by the purchase of British motor vehicles
where local conditions permit, and to work generally on the lines indicated in your despatch. It is possible that this
Government may wish to order 12 or 15 motor lorries in the
near future as a result of the recommendations of a
Committee which was appointed after the recent seamen's
strike to consider the maintenance of the Essential Services
of the Colony in future emergencies: and any such order
would be placed in England,
Mr. C. McI. Messer, Colonial Treasurer, who
has a full knowledge of mechanical transport of all kinds,
has voluntarily offered to purchase one of the "Cubitt"
cars mentioned in your despatch while he is on leave, and
-I enclose copy of a letter addressed to the Crown Agents
regarding Mr. Messer's intentions. Mr. Messer will doubt-
less have an opportunity of discussing the whole question with the Crown Agents while he is in England.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Aanstevem
Officer Administering the Government.