WELLINGTON STREET PAVING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12270, 14 May 1903, Page 4

WELLINGTON STREET PAVING.

DAY LABOUR QUESTION. 'O IMPORTANT DECISION. [BY TELEGRAPH.--OWN COBSESPONpEif.J Wellington, Wednesday* The Wellington City Council came tow* important decision to-day in regard to tbfl work of paving the streets of the city with wood. When tenders were first called fat this work the prices quoted considerably « 4 ceeded the esimate of the city engineer (Mr. Rountlvwaite), and it was considered tbiS another opportunity should be given to con- 1 tractors. Fresh tenders were invited. The* second lot of tenders, however, is practically at the same rate as tho first, and when titi' fact came before the committee appointed to deal with tho subject the engineer maintained his estimate (2s 9d per yard), and re peated his assurance that the work could be done for the latter price. The committea thereupon decided to recommend the Council that no tender should be accepted, but that the city engineer should bo authorised to carry out the work. This .course the Council agreed upon to-dav. This is re*. garded by the friends of "the day labour principle as a great triumph, and the course of tho work will be followed with great interest. Councillor Luke, in speaking. 00 the question, said' that of the fresh tenders the lowest was still 60 oi 70 per cent, above ; the engineer's estimate. The , oommittea took no responsibility in the matter. Tna figures were clear, and the engineer:■»» given the assurance that the work coula M done for his estimate. They should lem the work entirely in his hands. Councillor Nathan thought that if the engineer oouio do the work for the price he had named, >* was only right that he should get a tree hand. Further, if experience proved that; could do the work at tho price, or even «" a price within 10 or 20 per cent, of W ;«*"; mate, ho should bo treated as the employe of a private eraplover would be t l rea^. nM such a matter and given a very n» «we bonus. Councillor Devine, said .that w was no doubt that dav Jabou. was now d be put on its trial, and" if tho engineer w justify what lie had told the Council, WW was no doubt that day labour would g» the ascendancy in Wellington.