TIMARU AND GLADSTONE BOARD OF WORKS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XV, Issue 669, 25 October 1871, Page 5

TIMARU AND GLADSTONE BOARD OF WORKS.

The Board held their ordinary meeting on Wednesday the 4th instant Present— Mr P. B. Luxraoore (Chairman), Messrs Parker, Meudelson, Perring, Matsoo, and Dr Fisher. A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary, stating that the sum of £49 5s 2d, being balance of vote for Opihi bridge, would be forwarded to the Sub-Treasurer at Timaru for jmyraent to the Board ; also a return of the land sold m the district during the last quarter, amounting to £1100. The Engineer's certificate from the contractor of the Opihi bridge, certifying to work completed to the amount of £250, was read ; also a memorandum from the Engineer for salary due on the Ist instant, amounting to £37 10s. Mr Mbndelson asked Mr Babington if he would give the Board his services until the present contract of the Opihi bridge works were completed without any further charge ? Mr Babington said that the term of his contract with the Board would terminate on the 15th instant, but he would be very glad to certify to the work of the present contract after his term expired gratuitously. Proposed by Mr Perking, seconded by Mr Mendelson— "That the sum of £250 be paid to Mr Jonathan S. Derby, and that the Chairman be authorised to Day the Engineer his salary when due." Carried. Dr Fisher thought as Mr Babington' s time , expired on the 15th, they should re-elect him as Engineer to the Board, and pay him pro rata for work done. It was necessary to have an engineer, and his opinion might be often required. Proposed by Dr Fisher, seconded by Mr Matson — " That the Engineer at the expiration of hiß engagement with the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works be re-elected, and that he be paid for his services wherever they may be required by the Board at the usual rate of commission paid to engineers." Mr Mendelson thought the resolution too hasty. He should like the matter left with two or three members to arrange with Mr Babington on some definite basis. He thought that 5 per cenc was too high, supposing a £10,000 contract was undertaken by the Board. He had no doubt but the local powers would be increased as soon as Provincial Governments were done away with. Mr Babington explained that 5 per cent | was the usual, and he might say the lowest, commission received by engineers. Two and a-half per cent tor preparing plans, eta, and two and a-half for superintendence. Mr Blair was receiving that commission on £19,000 for the Rangitata bridge. The 5 per cent would include his travelling expenses. Mr Parker considered that if the Engineer was not receiving a fixed salary, he ought to receive a fair rate for commission. Mr Mendhison suggested that the consideration of this be adjourned for a month, that they might think over it The motion was pat to the meeting and carried. The Board then going into questions of finance, our reporter was requested to withdraw.