ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 404, 16 June 1849, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Wellington, June 11, 1849. Sir, — How true it is, I know not, but it is currently reported that a very heavy tax is levied upon the public through the several contractors for Government supplies. It is said that the legal demand made for the common bond , entered into to secure a Government contract, and which would be well paid at £2 : 2, is sometimes four, six, eight, thirteen, and even sixteen guinea*. This is not as it ought to be ] if the contractor is compelled to pay such large suits, he must make it up in the contract price, and thus the public pay through him a most unheard of charge. It is further reported that these charges are enforced by the refusal of the Commissariat Officer to make the usual contract payments, unless such amounts are allowed to be deducted thereout. Such items cannot possibly pass through the Commissa riat books, then why is the solicitor's payment required to be made at that office ? Perhaps it is because he holds the office of Attorney General. It is a matter that ought to be enquired into, and without loss of time. , I am, Sir, your obedient servant, A Competitor for Contracts.