P.W.D. WORKSHOP

Northern Advocate, 9 November 1934, Page 3

P.W.D. WORKSHOP

ESTABLISHED LOCALLY. BUSINESS PEOPLE OBJECT. Intimation was received today by the Whangarei County Council, from the District Engineer, that the services of a Public Works Department workshop at Whangarei were now available for the overhaul of Government and local bodies road plant. In order to cover supervision and overhead expenses, 33 1-3 per cent, was added on actual labour costs.

Quotes would be obtained from local or Auckland firms if necessary for specified work, such as machine work, blacksmith work or welding. All parts and materials supplied ex-work-shop were charged at the actual cost to the Department, which purchased at a considerable discount.

“Through the establishment of this workshop this department has experienced a considerable saving in the cost of maintenance of its road plant and vehicles,” Mr Ronayne wrote, “We also find that a periodical overhaul ensures reliability and a great saving of time during the working year.” When the matter was discussed by the council, it was stated that local business people had protested against the action of the Public Works Department in establishing such a workshop, and representations on these lines had been made to the Government,

“If we can get work done cheaper and efficiently we should take advantage of the service sometimes,” said Mr L. Webb, “although I believe we can do a great deal of the work in our own yard.” The stocking of grader and other machinery parts locally was welcomed by councillors, who said that unfortunate delays had occurred previously owing to replacement difficulties.

The chairman and staff will investigate the possibilities of the service.