AN IMPORTANT POINT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 32, 7 February 1908, Page 2

AN IMPORTANT POINT.

A matter in connection with tho contract lot, two years ago for the erection of tho sheer-legs at the Calliope Dock came before the Auckland Harbour Hoard 'I ho contractors, Messrs. G. Frasev and Sons, wrote ptalmg that the engineer had not. notified them that as tho foundations ft ere approaching completion they would socm ba required to proceed with the erection of the fheer-lcgs. • They drew tho attention of the boaid to the rise that had taken place siueo the contract was let in the cost of all labour incidental to (he contract. In making tho new award, which came into force in, November last, the Arbitration Court had mado the impracticable, suggestion that the award should not affect existing conliaeta. At the same time tho Court brought the awarcj u^to cileet straight, away, and thi3 nullified all possible 1 chanc'3 of tho suggestion being carried ' out. The result of the iucreato in wages would mean an a/ddilion of £600 in carrying out their contract, as compared with tho rates prevailing whan tho tender was submitted: Th&y m.ke& for the fconrd's consideration in respect to these ojrcumstancoß, which could not bo foreseen or controlled. Mr. W. J. Napier said 'that he could hardly imagiuo Mr. Justice Sim (President of tho Arbitration Court) giving an inconsistent -award such as suggested. Mr. A. J. Eutiican: The contractors might havo power to p.vy tho old rate of wageß, but tho men might not accept it. The letter wap referred to tho board in committee.