DISPUTE OVER CONTRACT FOR WAR MEMORIAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18629, 5 December 1928, Page 8

DISPUTE OVER CONTRACT FOR WAR MEMORIAL.

COMMITTEE QUESTIONS CHARGE FOR EXTRAS. (Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, December 5. The Citizens’ Committee which manages the Auckland Mar Memorial Fund, has decided not to consider the introduction of further memorial features into the War Memorial Museum pending the settlement of a dispute between the committee and the contractors, Hansford and Mills. The company received the contract in September, 1.924, and the total cost of the work done amounts to over £200,000. The Citizens’ Committee is now questioning its liability to pay certain extras for which it has been billed, amounting to several thousands of pounds. Both parties have agreed to place the claims before an exSupreme Court Judge as arbitrator, and the hearing will commence shortly. Six counsel have been engaged to prepare legal argument. It is estimated bv the committee that the various memorial features which the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association is anxious to see installed, including a roll of honour, paved court of h onour, and permanent cenotaph, will cost an additional £12,000. The committee is anxious to have the memorial character of the building fittingly emphasised, but consideration of further plans is out of the question until the full obligations to which the War Memorial Fund is exposed are definitely known. As it is the fund is practicallv exhausted.