THE BAY HALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 29 May 1923, Page 6

THE BAY HALL.

TENDERS for new building

PRICES TOO HIGH. At last night's meeting of the Borough Council seven tenders were received for the erection of a new hall on the Bay. , , , Councillor Hay moved that no tcndei should bo accepted as they were all too high. . Councillor Murphy said that tins endorsed His contention that the Council could not expect to get a new hall tor £.2700 as suggested by Councillors, lho Council would have to make up its mind to spend a good deal more than that to meet the requirements, in the mutter of a new hail, for the Bay. Before anything further was done the Bay Association should be consulted as it was that body which had been handed over the original hall to the Council. • ■ s

Councillor Hay said that the tenders could he reduced by specifying less costly material, such as red pine timber instead of Oregon, and by allowing more rime in which to build it.

In reply to Councillor Murphy Councillor Anstey said tho Council had not taken a single step in connection with this matter without consulting the Bay Association.

Councillor Satterthwaite said they could do nothing with the matter that night. The lowest tender of the seven received exceeded the aYchitect’s estimate by nearly £1000; and lie did not approve of Councillor Hay’s suggestion to make a bargain with the lowest tenderer. The Council should dismantle the relics of the hall; sell the tiles, and call for fresh tenders later on when the market might be more favourable. In reply to Councillor ShirtclifF the architect (Mr Hall) said the lowest tenderer had told him, after the tenders had been opened that night, that by certain modifications, which would not materially affect the building, he could reduce liis price to £3OOO. Councillor Irwin said it would be a great pity to alter the design, which was a very fine one. The saving by the substitution of red pine for Oregon would only amount to about £6O. The Council had not the money to accept the lowest tender received that night. On the motion of Councillors Hay and Anstey it was decided that no tender should he accepted that night, hut that the architect should be asked to consult, the lowest tenderer and get a price from him on amended specifications, this price to be‘submitted to a meeting of the Council this week when the estimates for the year will be considered.

.Councillors Murphy, Satterthwaite, Vmnell and Hawkey voted against this.