Borough Affairs.

Feilding Star, Volume XXV, Issue 283, 20 May 1904, Page 2

Borough Affairs.

'?".■. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — It must be most gratifying to the Burgesses to see Mr Goodbehere continues to take suoh a lively interest in the Council's business. Cr Burne and myself should feel especially thankful for being honorably mentioned in his last deliverance in your Tuesday's issue. With so much coaching by apastmaster in Borough matters, we shall be dull indeed if we don't become speedily quite expert. Why has Mr GoodbehQre no opinion of his own on such commonplace business as competitive tenders ? Why has he to quote Mr Mestayer always on the usual procedure of business? If he had any important work to have done, he would like certainly more than one tender. Or Burne, myself and others, are at the Council table " to do our duty to the best of our ability," as per the usual declaration. We have not even a tomahawk to grind, but would like to see the Borough Axe, in which all have a share, in good condition— clean,. sharp and bright. Now, sir, about this £1000 to be saved by buying N;Z. made pipes without competition. As Cr Chamberlain said at last meeting, we want proof to that effect, which can only be had by competition. But perhaps in this case *' Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise." It was said at last meeting by Councillors, that it was too late to advertise afresh. If it meant a chance of considerable saving in their private business, perhaps it would not be too late. '.' Make haste slowly " is good advice. If it takes eight months to have pipea supplied by the local makers — and it may take much longer — then I have not the slightest doubt they could be had from America sooner. But they are less than £ in. in thickness, and the coating might be rubbed off. That depends on the packing. Probably the makers know .how to pack them all right, and would not object to the clause compelling them to " deliver in good order, or to repair all damage." At least some of the Gouncillors'are simple enough to believe that public money;, whether loan or ordinary, should be dealt with as/carefully 'as though it were private>and that Mr Meslayer might have left the Council a free hand in the matter of procuring the pipes, without losing any of his professional dignity — then perhaps the £1000 might remain in the Borough purse. Yours etc., J. C. Thompson. May 19, 1904.