SALTWATER CREEK JOB.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18914, 27 June 1931, Page 5

SALTWATER CREEK JOB.

To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald.” Sir,—ln reading the report of Monday night’s meeting of the Timaru Borough Council one could not help thinking that when the Councillors and borough engineer stated that before the Saltwater Creek job could be started they would require to purchase a quantity of hardwood piles from Australia, there was room for inquiry. Knowing that all are patriotic enough to carry out the slogan of the Unemployment Board—buy New Zealand goods—l for one have been considering whether they have considered the possibility of using concrete piles. If they are suitable, both as regards cost and otherwise for such structures as Pareora, Temuka and Ashburton bridges, surely they are worth consideration on a Job such as the creek. The making of concrete piles would create employment, and all the money would be kept in our own town. Now, sir, for the enlightenment of the people who returned, the men to the Council, I would like either or both Councillor Hunt or Councillor Kennedy to show comparative costs per foot of hardwood piles from Australia and reinforced concrete piles made by unemployed labour (both on the site). They must have gone into the cost of the concrete piles, or if they did not, well all I can say is that they are not such staunch supporters of the slogan “Buy New Zealand Goods” as they would have us believe.—l am, etc. P. O’HAGAN. P.S.—When estimating the cost of hardwood, it will be necessary, of course, not to quote what the Council has paid previously, but present-day prices landed on the job.—P. O’H.