DAMAGE DONE TO CITY GAS MAINS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18641, 19 December 1928, Page 14

DAMAGE DONE TO CITY GAS MAINS.

DRAINAGE BOARD ASKED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS.

In the course of the work of laying the new sewers for the Christchurch Drainage Board, several of the contractors have caused damage to the Gas Company’s mains and services, and at last night’s meeting of the board a letter was received from the company requesting payment of an account for £B2 Ss 2d, being the cost of the repairs that have had to be carried out. The secretary reported that he had replied to the company, pointing out that on a former occasion the board had repudiated any liability for such damage. To this letter the company had replied stating that, at an interview between the late chairman of the company (Mr W. Reece) and the chairman of the board (Mr H. J. Otley) on July 16, 1927, it was clearly laid down that the company could not release the board from its liability for damage caused by its contractors. Accounts had since been sent simultaneously to the contractors and to the board, and the company was still endeavouring to get the contractors to pay the amounts due. The chairman (Mr H. J. Otley) said that it was quite correct that such an interview had taken place, and that he had told the company that, if damage was done to its property, the board would assist it to secure payment from the contractors. Mr J. W. Beanland: The contractors are clearly liable, and, if they will not pay, the company should sue them. It is not right that this should come back on to the board. The assistant secretary said that most of the accounts were in dispute. The chairman suggested that a meeting should be arranged between the Gas Company’s representativees and the contractors. The board was liable for the damage, but the contractors were liable to the board. He considered that the whole matter should have been settled long ago. Mr Beanland said that the contractors took the risk, and the board should not be called upon to pay for their mistakes. It was decided to refer the matter to the Finance Committee for consideration.