A TUNNEL CONTRACT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5159, 1 August 1927, Page 3

A TUNNEL CONTRACT.

CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION. •PETITION TO PARLIAMENT. For the fourth time since 1923 ■William Forrest, contractor, Paeroa, is petitioning Parliament for compensation. in respect of losses sustained in. connection with the Okahukura tunnel contract. In his latest petition, presented to the House last week by Mr A. M. Samuel, he states that he undertook the construction of the tunnel for £96,000 and success>fully carried on until February, 1916, when, owing to adverse war condi- . tions, he was compelled to surrender ' his contract to the Public Works Department. He then, with the approval <.of the department, entered into an agreement with a syndicate whereby, on completion of the contract and compliance with certain conditions, he was to receive back his working plant and a share of the profits, if any. Later the syndicate was forced to surrender the contract to the department, the Government making equitable cash payments to the syndicate. Petitioner went to England, : and after 4'% years’ service with the British Army was discharged medically unfit and was awarded a disabi 1iity pension. He claims that the plant, which cost-over £6OOO, would be worth over £ll,OOO to-day. It became the property of the Government, and petitioner, who lost a large sum of money, had to sell five houses, realising £3OOO, to liquidate his liabilities. Aftei petitioning the House in 1923 he was granted £lOO, which he considered totally inadequate to meet his casehut nothing was done, in respect of hi'si later petitions. He says he is now a rnined man, and he asks for fail and equitable compensation.