CO129-475 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1922 [5-7] — Page 457

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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.