CITY ELECTRIC LIGHTING SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13435, 13 March 1907, Page 8

CITY ELECTRIC LIGHTING SCHEME.

THE COST OF "SPARES."

DnniNO a special meeting held by the City Council yesterday the estimates for the "spares" required in connection with the electric lighting plant to be installed'by the city were further discussed. The city engineer (Mr. W. E. Bush) stated that at a previous mooting of the Council Mr. Goodman, the electrical expert, had given a verbal ,estimate of £300 for tho "spares" required for the plant. Ho had wired for a list of tho " spares," and had also been advised that the total cost would bo £658, plus £52 for "spares" that had not beeu specified for. Under these circumstances ho did not feel justified in communicating with the successful tenderers (Messrs. Turnbull and Jones, Limited, of Wellington) until he had authority from the Cou-.r.'il. Ho had wired Mr. Goodman, asking why his estimate had been exceeded,, and ho replied that he had underestimated tho remaining "spares."

Chorus of Voices: He has underestimated everything Mr. Bush, continuing, said that tho wholo of the "spares" woulc only cost £899, and suggested that the wholo of the "spares" bo ordered.

Mr. Entrican and Mr. Glover referred to some street talk they had heard. Mr, Parr: Street talk 1 The Mayor: if you'are going to be" misled by some irresponsible citizens making statements, whore are we going to go or stop? Mr. Entrican: I am only mentioning common talk. We want a satisfactory explanation as to why the estimate for the "spares" is -nearly, doubled. • i * Mayor said they were elected to go into these matters, and, as far as ho iknew, they had done so very carefully, and all knew exactly why Messrs. Turnbull and ./ones tender had been accepted. Mr. Goodman stated there would be only £300 worth of spares", required, but that estimate was given at a moment's notice; He regretted Mr. Goodman had not been more careful when ho gave the estimate. Mr. Entrican said he v had told the gentleman who had spoken to him that the Council considered they had accepted the most advantageous tender. (< Mr. Hutchison said they must have the "spares." In six months' time they would have the installation .going, and it would take four or five months to get tho parts out.

The Mayor and Mr. Smoeton said Mr Goodman was only given half a minute in which to make the estimate. Mr. Bagnall moved, "That the city engineer be authorised to order all' the •spares' required." There was no doubt they would be required. Mr. Parr seconded, the motion. Mr. Bush said the contract would have boon signed last week, but it had been delayed on this account. The Mayor said he thought Mr. Goodman was a capable engineer, and if the Council to-morrow were going to consider the onestoon again he believed they would ask Mr Goodman to do what he had done. Ihe motion was carried.