Council and Architect.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3710, 11 September 1906, Page 2

Council and Architect.

ALLEGED OVERCHARGE. ' A letter was read at last night's Borough Council meeting from John Rogers, architect to the new Council Chambers (in reply), in which he stated that it was his usual practice to charge 2J2 per cent., for preparation of plans and specifications for work not carried out, which, on his estimated cost of the brick building would amount to 10s. He stated that he had only charged proportionately, and on the basis of his original agreement with Council. The enclosed account totalled £6O 8s rod, less cash on account, and was made up as follows : Advertising in two Palmerston papers, £2 ns; travelling expenses, £1 16s ; preparing plans and supervising, £so ; preparing plans and specifications for brick building, £ 25; extra copy of plans and specifications, is. The Mayor thought the account was most outrageous. The clerk explained that Mr Rogers’ original agreement was to supervise the work at a cost of extra work he said Mr Rogers informed him that it would only cost £2 or £z—£s at the outside. Cr, Frankland said the extra charge should not be more than £s• Cr Baker said that Mr Rogers had- said that the building would only cost He thought the Council had a claim against the architect. The Mayor said the architect was charging for plans the Council had not got. Cr Moore moved and Cr Frankland seconded : ‘ ‘ That Mr Rogers be written to in reply to his letter reminding him that he undertook to prepare additional plans for brick building for a few pounds extra only, and that Council cannot undertake to pay more than £5 for the item oi £2s claimed.” Cr Coley abruptly asked how the Council came to etqploy Mr Rogers. The Clerk explained that Mr Rogers had volunteered to prepare plans, which, if agreed upon he would expect a commission. The, building would cost which sum would include his expenses. The lowest tender was £ 1100. 1 After further desultory discussion the resolution was carried unanimously.