HIGH TENDERS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 54, 19 March 1937, Page 5

HIGH TENDERS

H.B. Education Board Amazed MAY DO ITS OWN WORK Because tenders recently reeeived for the carrying out of new school building works were considerably in excess of the estimate drawn up six months ago the Hawke's Bay Education Board agreed this morning that in future its own architeetural staff would undertake all building work in the district, providing it is of the opinion that by so doing a saving can be made. "Tenders were called some time ago for three building jobs, and the prices this board reeeived were absolutely amazing," said tho chairman, Mr G. A. Maddison. "Whether the tenderers wanted to get rich quick or there is some reason why pirces for this kind ,of work must be high, I don't know, but in some cases the tenders we Tcceived aTe double the prices we estimated six months ago." Mr J. S. Wauchop: I am glad this has eome up in open board, Mr Chairman. We should do something about this. "The only tenderer for one job, which we estimated would cost £336, put in a price of £533," went on Mr Maddison. "For another job, a man quoted £445 for a job we estimated to cost £396, while a third tenderer, rnerely for a shelter shed, quotes £104, against our estimate of £76. "I would recommend. that in cases where our architect is assured that our own staff can effect a saving, they should be allowed to go ahead." The board 's architect, who was present at the meeting, said that he was confident he could get the work in question done by the board 's own staff for more than £100 under the total prices quoted by the tenderers. On being put to the members, Mr Maddison 's recommendation was adopted unanimously. * 1 11 ■— /