DEAL IN LINOLEUM

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 30, 29 October 1921, Page 13

DEAL IN LINOLEUM

HOSPITAL BOARD’S PURCHASE NOT UP TO STANDARD From Our Own Correspondent. Masterton, October 28. Some time ago the Wairarapa Hospital Board purchased from the Defence Department eight rolls of linoleum for covering the floors of the new Maternity Ward, then in the course of erection. Part of one roll was inspected by a representative of the board, and was found to be free from cracks, and otherwise up to the standard required. A price of 18s. 6d. per running yard was agreed on, and the rolls were subsequently delivered at the Masterion Hospital, where they were stored pending the completion of the ward. When the floors were ready three of tthe rolls—including the one that had boon shown as a sample—were undone and large cracks were revealed right across tho face of each piece of the material. The defects were inspected by a local expert, who formed the opinion that the composition had perished through faulty storage 'by the Defence Department. On the expert’s advice the rolls were placed in a warm atmosphere for a time to sea whether the broken parts would mend, but this had no effect. The Defence Department was informed of the matter, and an officer was sent to inspect the material, with the result that the board was offered a refund of ss. 6d. per yard. Whether the board should accept this offer was the subject of a long and at times heated discussion at to-day’s meeting. ’ The board members inspected the linoleum, and in the- debate which followed the consensus of opinion seemed to be that the Department had not delivered the material according to sample. It was pointed out that even though the refund of ss. 6d. per yard was accepted, the linoleum would bo quite useless In a hospital, where only the best of everything was used, iSeveral members favoured sending the rolls back at once and demanding a cheque for the full amount naid, while others were more icautious and desired a legal opinion before taking definite action. Eventually it was decided to inform the Department that the board had decided not to accept the linoleum, and desired a refund of the purchase money. In the event of the Department not accepting this arrangement it was decided to obtain a legal opinion.