THE BLOCK MOULDS CONTRACT.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 47, 29 September 1887, Page 2

THE BLOCK MOULDS CONTRACT.

The Harbour Board got into a peculiar position at its last meeting, in connect tion with the contract for block moulds. A short time ago an application for a refund was made on behalf of the sureties and was granted.

Now a very pathetic request for consideration has been made by Mr Houlden, as attorney for Haughey, who has left the colony. Mr Houlden said that he undertook to do the work for Haughey, but Mr South was to receive all moneys until the work was completed, when he (Mr Houl den) would receive his share. Unfortunately for him the contract did not turn out successfully, and the question now arises, was the Board right in overlooking the accredited representative of Haughey, and paying money over to the sureties? Then again, was the payment legal in any case ?

Members themselves admit that it was wrong, and when they take upon themselves the responsibility of displaying sentiment in dealing with the ratepayers’ money, they should at least have made themselves better acquainted with the circumstances. It is not the best of taste to turn round now and accuse one of the sureties of sharp practice, He evidently got into a poor speculation, and thought he was justified in getting clear of it with as little loss to himself as possible. But that is not for members to discuss, in whatever light they may look upon it. Houlden certainly acted very foolishly in the matter, and has been taught a lesson which he is not likely soon to forget, and if sympathy is allowable it might well be extended towards him. He has, as Major Porter stated, justice and equity on his side, and if the Board are never more in the wrong morally—we believe they are in point of law—their conduct, if possible, might well be passed over. There seems no doubt that they erred in the first instance, and it was only right to try and make amends. But the principle is not to be commended, and it such a course were allowed as a precedent it would be dangerous to all business interests. Major Porter’s generous offer proves that he and those who voted for thejtnotion were convinced of the justice of their course, and when so praiseworthy a spirit is exhibited it cannot fail to increase the confidence reposed in our public men,