METAL SUPPLIES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4810, 13 February 1925, Page 4

METAL SUPPLIES.

CONTRA CTORS’ GRIEVANCES.

DEPUTATION TO PLAINS COUNCIL

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Hauraki Plains County Council Messrs Julian, Keith, and Kehely, contractors for crushing, punting, and carting respectively at Puriri, waited upon the Council in respect to various differences which had arisen between them and the council. Mr Keith detailed the arrangements under which he had taken up the punting contract from Puriri, and his experiences when working. He had taken up a contract at 2s (id a yard for 2000 yards, more or less. When this amount was completed lie carried on working, and had made an arrangement with Cr. Madgwick to do the work for Is 9d a yard, provided he had the option of carrying on tlie punting of the balance of the metal required. The arrangement was confirmed by the council. Later on the council had given the control of the punting to the crushing contractor, and had not notified him. To cope with the increased amount of metal offering he had purchased another launch. Mr Julian had informed him that he would deduct 3d a yard from him, and as he would not agree to this the job was taken from him by Mr Julian, not having been notified by the council. He had at many times worked both tides, and had never caused metal to be left in the hopper when it was possible to float a punt out of the stream. Mr Julian, the crushing contractor, said that he did not desire to make anything out of the punting, but desired it to be carried out expeditiously, so as not to hold up the crushing.

Mr Keith had failed di.smaljy, as the contractors at Tiuna and Gumtown could testify. To assist Mr Keith he had worked on many occasions both night and day. This was interfering with his crushing operations, and he desired payment at the rate of 3d a yard. The matter had been discussed with Mr Keith on three occasions, and finally Keith agreed that the arrangement was ,a reasonable one.

The matter was discussed at length, ami after the deputation had withdrawn it was decided that the contract be terminated and fresh tenders be called.

Mr Kehealy waited upon the council and said that owing to the road conditions he could not carry on his contract at the price. The appearance of the road had deceived him, and the Thames County Council was pressing him to improve the road to make it a good metalled one. He had sublet contracts to four motor lorry owners at the same price as he received, and each one had thrown up the job. He would ask the council to assist him by releasing him of his contract. He pointed out that one wet day caused a week’s idleness, expenses going on as usual.

After further discussion a committee comprising Crs. Miller. Hayward, and McLoughlin and the engineer were set up to deal with the matters.