THE TENDER FOR WAGGONS.

Southland Times, Issue 2136, 23 June 1875, Page 2

THE TENDER FOR WAGGONS.

(TO THB EDITOB OP TttH T131E3.) Sic, — An advertisement appearod in your issue of the 2lst culling for tenders for 78 waggons for the Southland Railways, saii tenders to be in Dunedin by noon of the 25th inst. In calling to look at the specifications I find that the timber to be used h wellseasoned kauri pine, and several items of the blacksmith work would require some little time before any contractor could tell whero to lay his hands on it The whole tender is in one lot, and to be finished within 16 weeks, a proportionate number of waggons to ba finished weekly or monthly. Now, Sir, I consider that the advertisement is nothing but a mockery ; no contractor here or in Dunedin can give in a tender according to the specifications, unless they ;have known beforehand of the contract, and have had time to make the necessary enquiries where to lay their hands on the material. A great stir has often been made in the place over a less question than this— ;the ex* penditure will represent between £7,000 and £10,000. I The waggons are required for our own ctiai trict, our merchants might have the importing of the iron, our blacksmiths the ftrging, our foundries the casting, our oarpente-U the building, and our sawmilisrs th.s supplying the timber. The Government also would be no losers, as by giving tqore time and dividing the contract, there would ba more competition, whereas if it is lot as at pro dent advertised, it is sure to go iito the hands of some Dunedin firm, who will get their own price. I have drawn attention to the matter, and hope some ono will more therein before it is too late. There is plenty of skill an! ability in tho place to manufacture what waggons ara required if there ia any chance given af all, and it is a pit/to see everything going into the ra»w of the Danedinitea.— Xours, &c., iHYSBOASCtIU*