IS THE COUNCIL SERIOUS?

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 104, 30 October 1923, Page 5

IS THE COUNCIL SERIOUS?

SPECIFICATION NOT REFERRED TO BOARD OF CONTROL.

Councillor Watkins, speaking at the meeting of the Lower Hutt Borough Council, said that it was certainly pleasing to know that tenders had at last been called, but nevertheless he was not So sure that the work- would be carried out. The tenders had been called too hurriedly, and, as they were to close on Bth November, those who might wish to tender had,no time in in which to do so. He did not want to say or do anything that would stop the work on the- road, but he did not think that any of the other large centres would put down a. car,track of 20 feet and leave the remainder af the road -to be maintained at a high cost. He did not think the City Council was in earnest over the matter, and would like to feel in his own mind that it was the serious intention of the council to carry out the work. The fact that the City Council would not allow metal to be taken from its quarry at Ngah,auranga Gorge showed that big obstacles were being placed before intending contractors. He would like to know if the council could do anything in the matter.

The Mayor (Mr. W. T. Strand) said he would like to hold over further discussion until the closing date of the tender*. He agreed that the short time given to tenderers was absurd. He felt that the City Council had no serious intention of doing anything. After the time had elapsed for receiving tenders a stir should be made. He did not think any work on the road would be done this year. He would like to inform them that the specifications Had never been before the Hutt Control Board.