A Matter of Prices.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20648, 24 June 1935, Page 6

A Matter of Prices.

Dear Sir, —May I air a grievance against the M.E.D. I refer to a small alteration cf a heater point through one wall to the other side of the same wall, a matter of two hours’ work at most. No material was needed, only my own material confiscated. For that work, through my tenant, I am billed 16s 6d. For the same job from a competent workman I am priced 6s at most. I appealed to the M.E.D., telling them their price was exorbitant, and was told “ we* cannot question our men's charges”: it is right, etc. I will not pay, and have advised my tenants not to pay. A glance at my paid accounts will class me in the ranks of the A 1 payers, and I would like to know why such things are allowed. The council demand their rates from a workless people, and not only do the M.E.D. do general electrical work that should be left for the workless electricians and so give them employment, but fix their own prices. Also, why does not the Government insist on making the M.E.D. adhere to the rules and regulations that they do to other bodies? I say what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. It is high time someone moved in this vital matter and got behind the smug unfairness of these things that keep honest people chained to miserable officialdom I am. etc., N. A! BUTCHER. The general manager of the M.E.D. states that if the complaint is made officially to him, either by letter or by a personal interview, an impartial investigation will be made.—Ed., “Star.”