“This Silence”

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7134, 4 February 1930, Page 5

“This Silence”

08. HODGENS CANNOT UNDERSTAND COUNCIL

SATING BY, DAY LABOUR ’ “This should not be allowed to go withcralfc comment,” stated Or. J. Hodgens at the Palmerston. North Borough Council meeting last evening, when the engineer reported that by constructing the sewer extension in Boundary road by day labour, a saving ol *137 had been effected, when compared with the coat of another section, done by contract. “I would like to compliment the engineering department, ’ ’ added Cr. Hodgens, “on the way it has done the work. It should be remembered that those engaged were just the ordinary unemployed of Palmerston North and not the regular men accustomed to such work, I can’t "understand why we are bo silent about this report.” Or. Mansford: But we don’t know the conditions’ under which the contractors worked. Cr. A. Guy: All public works should be done by tender. Cr. Hodgens: Cr. Guy should be the last to question anything where there has been a saving of money. He has already said that half the town has vanished in rates. Or. Clausen: Wasn’t the sewer shallower than lower down? The engineer: Our figures are such that we can make a proper comparison. The Mayor thought it should not be the council’s practice to commend its engineering department. “We expect the beat from it always,” he added. Mr. Hughes didn’t want any commendation to help him discharge his duties. Cr. Mansfbrd thought there was a lot in what Cr. Guy had said. A contractor had to make allowances for possible wet weather. Cr. Guy thought the engineer, no doubt, had done his work well, but he should have had tenders before contrasting the cost of the work under day labour.