MISTAKE IN A TENDER

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7444, 19 May 1911, Page 5

MISTAKE IN A TENDER

In the report of the power stations and tramways committee as presented to the City Council last night there appeared the* following clause “That the contract entered into between the corporation and Messrs Eichardson, Blair and McCabe for supply of car accessories be adhered to." The reason for the insertion of the clause turned out to be somewhat unusual. The firm mentioned had submitted a tender as per a schedule specified, stating their prices for each quantity and class of accessories to bo supplied. The total as shown on the tender was .£-557 19s, and this being the lowest total, their tender was accepted. This was some time ago, and after the tender was accepted , the firm wrote to the town clerk that they had made a mistake in. adding up the totals, and drawing his attention to the fact that if the items in the schedule were added up the total would Ire found to be -£577 19s. • They asked that their tender be accepted at this price. The town clerk, in the course of a letter in reply, informed ; Messrs Richardson. Blair and McCabe" that had their tender been presented as for the larger amount in the first instance it would not-have been accepted. . When tiro clause in the report came up for consideration in- council, Mr Hindmarsh moved, and .Mr ■: McLaren seconded, an amendment to refer it back to the committee. The Mayor supported the amendment, pointing out that the schedule prices: had been accepted,-and that the total was scarcely an important part of the tender. Councillors , Fitzgerald, and . Shritcliffe strongly opposed the amendment, suggesting’ that if such irregularities as the acceptance of larger tenders after the contracts had been , signed might lead to grave abuses. t The clause was carried.