THE MURIMOTU TRACK.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIV, Issue 9660, 13 June 1882, Page 3

THE MURIMOTU TRACK.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — 4s we are perfectly sure that you have the interests of fair dealing at heart, especially in the matter of con- | trading for public works, we take the -, liberty of bringing under your notice, and that of your readers, what will no doubt be considered a glaring departure from the established rule laid down by properly conducted bodies. Some time back the Wanganui County Council advertised for tenders for the formation 1 of the first part (4£ miles) of the Muri- t motu track, the result being that Messrs * Smith, and Bowdern obtained the contract at 22s 3d per chain. This work was completed about ten days ago, and the county .council determined to go on with forming 2J miles more of the track. Instead, however, of putting this second ( contract out to public tender, Mr Field, 1 the engineer, was instructed to offer it t to the former contractor, Mr Smith, at 6 the old rate. He, however, declined to take it at that, and it is now a fact that t the new work, which is no more difficult than the old, is to be given to Smith at 24s 9d per chain. To show that this . departure fromthe practice of tendering is not to the public advantage, Smith - has actually (legally or illegally) sold ■ his contract to his former partner, Bowdern, at a good premium, although no contract has yet been signed. 'Ihe arguments in favour of letting work - without tenders are generally based ' upon avoiding loss of time, and cheap- i ness. In this case neither result has | been obtained, for the second contract ' is 2s 6d a chain higher than the first, and as not a man is at present working on the track it is evident that no time has been saved in going on with this all-important work. Trusting that the publication of these facts may lead to the adoption of a fairer system in the management of public works, and that . | the help of your valuable journal will fee given to prevent even the appearance of ] favoritism, and to give all Wanganui contractors an equal chance. — We re- ' main, &c, Alex. McGee and P. Talty.