QUANTITY SCHEDULES

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 111, 6 November 1935, Page 26

QUANTITY SCHEDULES

A TENDERING TANGLE

SYSTEM UNFAIR

"For a long time there has been a I need for alteration in the system of tendering," says the report to be presented at the annual meeting of the Wellington Builders' and Contractors' Industrial Union of Employers tomortrow. "The individual builder is required to take off particulars of all j quantities of materials required, for the ] erection of buildings. In the old days when wooden and brick buildings were ] more in evidence than today, the tak- 2 ing off of the quantities was a com- i paratively small undertaking when ■ compared with the taking off of the quantities of a modern earthquake- ' resisting reinforced concrete job. : "In few cases, architects arrange for ] quantities to be supplied to tenderers, ' but there is a large amount of unpro- : ductive time spent by builders in taking out quantities for jobs before they can estimate a price. The present system requires that builders theoretically submit competitive prices on competitive quantities. This system is unfair to the builders because all the figuring by builders against one another cannot affect the actual quantities of materials in the job. RISK OF OMISSIONS. "In most cases builders have only a very short space of time available to I prepare tenders and thus there is serious risk of something or other being left out of the estimated cost of the job. In such cases the owner reaps the benefit at the expense of the builder or his creditors. Looking at the position thus created, the more competent builder loses the job because his quantities are more accurate. "A general desire exists not only in New Zealand, but in other countries, for a system of quantity surveying to be instituted. Recently representations were made by the New Zealand Federated Builders' and Contractors' Industrial Association to the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department. requesting that on all public works jobs lists of quantities should be supplied. The engineer gave the deputa-1 tion a sympathetic hearing and stated! he would go into the possibilities on the suggestion being put into operation. The matter is also exercising the minds of the New Zealand architects] who some months ago extended an invitation to members of that association to an address on quantity surveying by Air. Maltby, quantity surveyor, i of Auckland. Those present express-1 ed the: view that the time has arrived for quantities to be supplied with plans and specifications."

At a meeting of the council of ihe ( Wellington Chamber of Commerce j last evening the president (Mr. M. G. C. McCaul) was congratulated on his appoir.tment to the position of vicepresicUnt of the Associated Chambers' of Commerce. A motion of apprecia-j tion oE the hospitality received from the Napier and Hastings Chambers was carried and the delegates to the conference at Napier were thanked for their services.

'■ "HOW USE DOTH BREED A HABIT." ' —Shakespeare. i One excellent habit is lh« prompt use o( Baxter's Lung Preserver when cough:: and colds appear. For many generations "Baxter's" has been New Zealar d's leading remedy for coughs and colds, sore throats, and similar complaints. Take nothing but the genuine "Baxter's." Three sizes—ls 6d, 2s 3d. 4s 6d —at your nearest chemist > or store.—Advt,