LOCAL BODIES AND CONTRACTORS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 4986, 10 February 1877, Page 3

LOCAL BODIES AND CONTRACTORS.

TO Tint Kimou OF TUB LYTTHI/rON TIMKB. Bm—'.there if an old saying " I,lml, too much of ft good tiling is not always paintublo " and indeed there are people who may have reason to believe, that this fair country of onr adoption is gening conriderably overlature has invested them, is amusing m the SthTpowers conferred - - loc^ A "SH ir* “p»“ smunicipal house t public prints, ti-ements were J n#cr „ e 1 > fo / I#yel . calling for tenors from ing and surveying Vanning carefully iu tendered m due °°“” advertisements, as we mind the terms of the adve # or e were wolUware that when puDi. bound dealing with public » • reco gnised rules, adhere strictly to tljo Deo essity of which enjoin upon fftVour to any one. showing neither fea o differently m But, seemingly, they Te code of pretty little Akaroa. -they u th ’iuCd.l.

appeared in the lists, besides ourselves, but was put out of court on account of nonqualification, so that, opparontly, tho question merely remained as to which of our two tenders would bo selected. Alas I wo reckoned without our host. The decision wo* postponed for a week, os further explanation was required in respect of one of the tenders. In the course of this week another Christchurch firm sent in a tender, whioh, according to ordinary rule, was not considered or received, os it was after date. But another week or so passes, and a gentleman (No. 5) makes his appearance on tho stage, ond puts in a tender for exactly ten pounds (£10) under our lowest tender. Our sapient Council, in order to save appearances, thereupon agree to receive ond consider both the tenders sent in after date, and, need wo soy, accept No. 5. Moral—When tendering for work in tho hands of publio bodies of this description, whether oorporotod with a big seal or ditto without that valuable appendage, find out before hand if any friend or connection has a seat. He will ascertain tho contents of tenders sent in up to the advertised date ; “ work tho oracle” of tho said corporation, then—a whisper—a motion —ond presto ! pass! ! —the thing is done. You need fear nothing. The publio body, to keep up their dignity—save the mark !—will take oare to snub tho unfortunate disappointed ones. Wo w°> *°.| 0. E. FOOEB & SON. R. PRESTON BAIN. Christchurch, Fob. 6.