THE WALL THAT FELL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 88, 14 April 1910, Page 6

THE WALL THAT FELL.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —When the Freeman's Bay Wall Committee submit their resolutions to the Harbour Board it would be well if they would add the followins clause: —

" That in future the law, 'that all works over fifty pounds in value be let by public tender,' be strictly carried out." The idea that by carrying out works by day labour a better result can be obtained is an utter fallacy, and this is proved'by the collapse of the wall at Freeman's Bay. Mr. Hamer, in his report, says: "The engineers agree with my report to the Board that the collapse was due to lateral pressure upon pile& that had been insufficiently driven." Now. I hold that no contractor would have allowed such a collapse to occur through the in=ufficient driving of piles. For his own sake he would have taken precautions that no such calamity could occur, and however much pnbli-e opinion may differ from the conclusions arrived at by the Board, it Is to lie hoped that the public of Auckland will insist that the reinstatement of the wall and all other works over fifty pounds shall be let by public tender. It is their only protection.—l am, etc, NOT A CONTRACTOR. Auckland, April 11, 1910.