THE CEMENT TENDERS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4741, 15 December 1886, Page 2

THE CEMENT TENDERS.

+ A special meeting of the Harbor Board was held at 12. 30 to-day to decido which tender should be accepted for the supply of cement. There were present : — Messrs Graham (in the chair), .1. W. Sunderlancl, J. Townley, Dickson, and Major Porter. The Chairman said the meeting was called to decide which of the tenders, the Iron and Woodwnre Company's or Johnston and Co.'s should bo accepted. Both were at the same price, and the matter had been left over to give the Engineer time to make enquiries as to the respective qualities of the cement. A large number of testimonials were produced on behalf of both firms. In reply to Mr Townley, the Engineer said he would really not draw any distinction between the two brandsof cement. Mr Townley (laughing) • Then what are we here for ? The Engineer said both brands appeared to be of very good quality. The Chairman said the cemont seemed to be of good quality, but what they wanted to know was which would stand tha best in sea-water. Replies from the various places where the cements had been used were then read, there appearing to be no choice. The Chairman said it seemed to bo th 6 opinion that Johnston and Co., having the Napier tender, should have the prefer' ence. Mr Sunderland remarked that as they had not blackguarded the Board and had been more civil than one of the tenderers, they ought to get it. (Laughter.) With reference to McEwan and Co., the Chairman said it had been shown to be far the cheapest, and also that cement could be procured in the open market cheaper than the price quoted in the other tenders, but he did not see that, after the resolution throwing McEvvan's tender out, they could now entertain the matter. Mr Townley said the Engineer had given McEwan and Co. all the necessary facts, and they ought to have sent a price direct. He did not see why McEwan and Co. should be considered at all. The Chairman said it was not McEwan that was being considered. It was a complete misapprehension that he himself or tho other members wished to favor McEwan. It was the interests of the Board they had to consider — whether they would be right in accepting McEwan's because of the siiving. Mr Townley considered it was now just a matter whether the Engineer thought one tender bettor than auother. As- to McEwan, he believed the Chairman waa quite right in what he 3aid, but this might occur in other tenders, and ought not to be overlooked in this case. The Chairman : Well, to bring matters to an issue, I will propose, "That Johnston and Co's tender be accepted." Mr Sunderland agreed that this would be the best course and seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Engineer said they might try and make some arrangement with Johnston's | agents to join with MoEwan and Co. in the matter of freight. Ifc was agreec 1 to leave tho matter in the hands of the Chairman and Engineer.