MISTAKE IN BRIDGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19798, 19 November 1927, Page 15

MISTAKE IN BRIDGE.

DENIAL OF CARELESSNESS. CASE FOR CLERK OF WORKS. WARM DEBATE AT MEETING. [sr TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE AROHA, Friday. An allegation of carelessness made by Mr. Stanley Jones, of the firm of Jones and Adams, engineers, Auckland, against the clerk of works, Mr. James, in connection with an error of judgment in the driving of piles for the Waihou River traffic bridge was disputed by Mr. James at a special meeting of the To Aroha Borough Council last evening. The allegation was made at the October meeting of the council, which decided to give the clerk of works an opportunity of appearing before the council, which last evening debated the affair for over two hours. Mr. James' reply was a categorical denial of the allegations of Mr. Jones, whom, he alleged, authorised the bending back into position of certain steel work which was later covered by concrete. Mr. James said his objection to this method of covering the mistake, which, in his opinion, would weaken the structure, was over-ruled. He asked the council to pass a resolution clearing him of the charge of gross carelessness made by the engineer. The Mayor, Mr. R. Coulter, remarked that the allegation of carelessness had not been made by the council, but by the engineer. He suggested that both parties submit written statements to the Public Works Department for arbitration. Mr. Carroll moved that the council consider the statements before the matter was taken further. He later added that Messrs. Jones and James be present when the statements were considered. This was carried, the Mayor stating that in a matter of such importance he would consider himself free to obtain expert engineering opinion or the advice of the Public Works Department if he thought it necessary. Mr. Carroll: Would you do it against the expressed wish of the council? The Mayor: Such circumstances have not arisen. Mr. Bruce: We will make them arise. I will move that, in the opinion of the council, until the reports are before the council it is not advisable that any outside bodies be consulted. Mr. Hamilton seconded the motion. The Mayor: If the motion is carried I will not be bound by it. You cannot fetter individual members of the council. The motion was carried by 6 votes to 3.