CONTRACTORS’ DEPOSITS.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 16, 24 August 1894, Page 2

CONTRACTORS’ DEPOSITS.

Fob the Opua bridge Mr Guy, of Opunake, was a tenderer, but was unsuccessful. In accordance with the specifications he had to put in a deposit, which had to be forwarded to New Plymouth, where tenders were received. As his tender was not accepted he applied for a return of his deposit, but has been informed by one of thb councillors that he must apply personally or appoint an agent at New Plymouth to receive the amount and sign a receipt, for it. Talk, if you like, of Government red tapeism, after that. If this is the general rule it is evidentjifcat most of the work will be confiheaßo' those in or about New PlymouW We cannot see why the Council would not a cheque immediately the tenders have been dealt with, to each of the unsuccessful tenderers, making the same payable to order,-which in default of the ordinary receipt being returned would be very good evidence of the money having reached its proper owner. Of course, if it is desired to keep the county’s work confined to those living within a stone’s throw of the town of New Plymouth, -probably the present system could not be improved on. To a working man being kept out of a few pounds on even a pound deposit may mean considerable inconvenience, as times are not so brisk that money is foundto.be very plentiful, and even ■thougb’tliprCouncirs account is heavily overdrawn, it is hardly worth its while easing it off to this small extent for the sake of a few weeks.