ROAD WORKS ON THE PLAINS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 105, 16 April 1881, Page 4

ROAD WORKS ON THE PLAINS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR.

Sin, — May I be permitted, through the medium of your journal, to make a few remarks regarding the late contracts advertised in your paper calling tenders for the formation of certain by-roads on the Waimate Plains. The advertisement in question was the cause of bringing several contractors and working men, for miles around, into the town to tender for the works. Of course, a great deal of expense wns incurred by these men, besides the usual 10 per cent, required to be deposited on the toial amount of their tender. And what is the result, sir ? They are told, as coolly as possible, that the Koad Board, or County Council, have decided to withdraw the letting of the works advertised. This is simply befooling a lot of men, a great many of whom, perhaps, can ill nEord being made fools of in this manner. Aud then, again, there is another expense antl delay in "hunting up" your deposit, when, vely likely, you may be told to call next day, the holder being away from home. No doubt, several arguments j could be used against ihis complaint — lawfully perhaps, but not judiciously — for the fact still stands out clear and plain that working men and contractors, not to speak of settlers, are humbugged about to a considerable extent through such withdrawls of advertised contracts. I do not for a moment suppose that I am the first to write on this subject, but being urged to do so by others, as well as my own desire for iairplay, I trust you w.'U give it space in your paper, aud at the same time give an opinion of your own on the matter — whether you think such custom ou the part of Koad Boards anil County Councils should, or should not, obtain.— l aui, &c, One of the Tenderers.