GGVERNMENT CONTRACTS.

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume IV, Issue 270, 9 August 1843, Page 3

GGVERNMENT CONTRACTS.

In the provisional instructions of the Lords of the Treasury to the Governor of New Zealand, Blue^Book, 1840, p. 48, we find the following clauses. "4. All public works are to be executed when practicable by open competition, tender, and contract. 5. Should it be necessary to effect purchases to my considerable amount of any article for 'A

the public service, you will cause the same to be done by contract, if practicable."

Though it is not expressly so stated in words, yet little doubt can exist that the " contract " mentioned in clause 5 was intended to be of the same description as the contract in clause 4 ; namely a contract founded on " open competition and tender." To suppose otherwise, would be to enable the Governor to contract with himself through the medium of a brother, a son, or a participator, and would open a door for most shameful abuse of his public trust, as well as place a temptation in his way which perhaps few Colonial Governors, could resist.

Our attention has been directed to the subject in consequence of there having been no public competition in this place for the contracts to supply the military forces recently sent here. It is said we know not with what accuracy, that the stores furnished for their use are furnished at a very much higher rate than competition would have fixed. If so there is a waste of public money which ought not to be allowed.

We have no means of ascertaining the real facts, and will be obliged to any of our readers who will furnish us with them. Can any of them inform us what are the contract and the wholesale market prices in Wellington ? Also, who are the contracting parties, and any other particulars which may throw light upon the subject ? -♦ To the Editor of the " New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator." Sir, — I observe in your paper a letter from a storekeeper, who complains that the merchants put up their goods at their sales in such small lots as makes them retail dealers, and deprives the avowed retail dealer of his customers. Being one of the aristrocracy, who he says, attend such sales, '(it was I, who purchased 316 of tobacco and a box of Lucifer matches, at the auction on Friday last.) I beg to say in self defence, that we are driven to the wholesale dealer, by the enormous charges of the retailer. I am told that tea, which cost ex. Brigrand, one shilling and eight-pence, is being retailed at four shillings and six-pence per pound within a week, and all other things in proportion. If this be the case, whose fault is it that we are driven to the wholesale stores, and that our presence induces the merchant to dispose of his goods in lots to suit our convenience? I hope he will continue to do so, till the retailer comes down to such a reasonable profit, aa may be set against the trouble of attending public auctions, and dividing the lots we purchase into consumable portions. Your obedient servant, A Haon A^vtsTocßATk