PLUMBING CONTRACTS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9278, 2 December 1895, Page 4

PLUMBING CONTRACTS.

TO THB EDITOR OT THB MIKSS. Sir,—l ask space to vent an injustice which is being done to the Christchurch plumbers. In connection with the new ward about to be built at the Hospital I understand the architect put in his specification, or was about to do so, that a certain firm whom he is in the habit of naming in his specifications, was to do the plumoing work of this job, and the matter having been brought before the Board they very justly decided, as reported by you, that this part of the work was to be left open to all the trade. Now the very name thing has been done by the same architect in connection with some building about to be erected at the School of The contractors are obliged to go to this .particular firm, and cannot employ the plumbers who usually do their work, and of course have to pay whatever is asked. Now if this was done for a private cheat no one but the client has a right to object, but fora public institution supported byratesand taxes it is a different matter. At present in Chrietchnrcb there are several firms of plumbers as weli, if not better, qualified for this special work. The 'two plumbing experts specially selected by Mr Cuthbert, the Drainage Board Engineer, to examine candidates for licenses as sanitary.plumbers are in business for themselves, and there are others having no connection whatever with this favoured firm as well qualified as the above experts, and they naturally feel indignant, and puzzled for a reason. Trusting the ventilation of the matter as above will give the relief the trade require.— Yours, &c, Contractor.