Waste Of Timber?

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30364, 13 February 1964, Page 3

Waste Of Timber?

Sir, —Who is responsible for the waste of public money through over-ordering'.paling fences for the North New Brighton primary school? Timber delivered in the middle of last year has been left to rot in the school grounds and the bulk of it is now suitable only,for fire-’ wood. ' While’ money’ is .being thrown away in this direction parents are once more being asked to dip into their pockets for a new supply of school books.—Yours, etc., ANTI-BUREAUCRACY. February 4, 1964. [The secretary-manager of the Canterbury Education Board (Mr W. P. Spencer) said: “When materials for approximately 930 ft of 6ft paling fence at the North New Brighton School were ordered, negotiations with 13 of the 14 neighbouring property owners involved were completed. It was anticipated that agreement would be reached with the remaining neighbour, and to avoid duplicating, cartage costs, all materials, were ordered at the same time. While negotiations were proceeding the materials for the section of fence not completed were stacked at the school and a few of the palings deteriorated. To suit the wishes of the neighbour concerned the palings were exchanged, not because of deterioration but to provide a different type, and will, be used by the board elsewhere. .1 can assure ‘Anti-Bureau-cracy’- that waste of public money is not- condoned by the board and did not occur at North New Brighton to the extent he'is endeavouring to suggest.”]