DEPUTATION TO THE GOVERNMENT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 998, 17 April 1891, Page 35

DEPUTATION TO THE GOVERNMENT.

A deputation, consisting of Messrs M. Murdoch, J. Russell. T. Carmichael, and A. Williams, representing the Wellington Builders’ Association, waited upon the Minister for Public Works on Tuesday morning, to point out objections to the conditions of Government contracts. At the outset, the deputation asked, that in the case of building contracts, the quantities should be supplied fay the Government, instead of allowing each contractor to calculate for himself, Mr Hales, Acting Engieer in Chief, who was present, remarked that no tender had ever beea rejected on account of a faulty schedule. Some discussion then took place as to variations of contracts, in the coarse of which Mr Halos said that it had been lately the practice of the Department to pay at schedule rates for extra work. The next proposal had reference to an arbitration clause for the purpose of deciding disputes, instead of leaving the matter to, the Engineer-in-Chief as the final umpire. Ths Minister objected to arbitration on account of its cost, and observed that tho Engineer-in-Chief was an officer above suspicion, who would not do an injustice to any contractor. Mr Hales said he had always found that where there was any doubt the contractor got the benefit of it. The Minister said he could not see his way to put Government contracts on the same footing as those let by private architects. Replying to Mr Carmichael, the Minister said he was opposed to contractors to tendering in a lump sum, aud sending in a schedule afterwards. He did not think it was to the interest of the State to encourage haphazard tending. Mr Murdoch objected to the clause in last year’s Building Lien Bill, whioh provided that people could override the provisions of the Bill by special agreement. Mr Seddon said the Government had nob come to any decision as to what they would do with the Bill, but the matter would be taken into consideration. The Minister asked if the deputation agreed with the general principle of prohibiting the sub-letting of Government contracts or being in the interest of bona fide contractors. Mr Carmichael asked if it was intended that every contractor must employ his own painters, plumbers, and other workmen. The Minister: Yes. Mr Carmichael thought that sub-contracting should be prevented as far as further conversation, Mr Carmichael said he did not object to the new condition so long aa it was made general. The Minister felt certain that if the clause was adhered to, that it would be in the interests of bona fide contractors, as it would prevent others from bringing down the work to unreasonable prices. Mr Carmichael wa3 of opinion that some provision should be made under which employers who were known for their good work should be allowed- to take the parts relating to their trades subject to the Minister's approval. After some further conversation the Minister promised to consider the matters mentioned by the deputation, and the interview then terminated.