METALLING CONTRACT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 9, 28 January 1942, Page 5

METALLING CONTRACT

COUNCIL ACTION DISAPPROVED

LETTER FROM DEPARTMENT

The County Clerk reported to yesterday's meeting of the County Council that a letter had on December 15 been received 1 from the Transport Department, Auckland, stating that a complai nt had been received from; the Secretary of the Whakatane Carriers' Association to the effect that a contract had been recently let to Mr Rush, of Rotorua, for a certain road 1 work in the Whakatane County.

Although it was not desired to! interfere with the free play of competition, it was stated that at the present time in the interests of petrol economy, Avherever possible, work should be given to local licensed transport operators. In this manner unnecessary running would be kept at a minimum and it would be appreciated if the Council would co-operate in the matter at the present time. The County Clerk reported that the Council's reply had been sent as follows:— "I have referred your letter of the loth December to the Chairman. B am directed to respectfully advise you that the contracts in this matter were let before the present emergency arose, and the Council then considered that having regard to the volume of work Mr Rush would be undertaking in this county that the small amount of benzine thai would be consumed in transporting his lorries from Rotorua was justified .

"Were it not for this present emergency, the Council could definitely state that there are not sufficient lorries available in this district to> carry out its normal works programme. However, although this is the position, the chairman directs me to state that if the local prices on any occasion are reasonably competitive, and the volume of work let to any one contractor is such that he can handle the Council's contracts expeditiously, then local enterprise will ahvaj-s be given first preference." It was resolved that action be approved.