THE WAIROA HIGHWAY BOARD.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1085, 12 September 1883, Page 2

THE WAIROA HIGHWAY BOARD.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In yonr issue of the 10th of August I observed a letter signed “Ratepayer,” eommentingon the unworkmanlike style in which the Wairoa Highway Board transacted their business. I can quite confirm his statements. The following is an instance of the way this body lets contracts. Tenders were called for the construction of a bfidge over the Motuwhero stream ; the bridge was built according to plans and specifications, but just before the work was finished these officials found it was 15 feet too short. The Board then arranged with the contractor to extend it, material to be found by the Board. The timber could be supplied by the sawmills for the purpose, and delivered in a week; the contractor waited with two men idle for three weeks, expecting the timber, and then left and subsequently took three other contracts and declares he will not finish the bridge until he has done them. The timber has now arrived, it being two months since ordered, and though the Board is quite aware of the loss and inconvenience the settlers are sustaining by this bad management, it apparently takes the matter very easy. I trust the Board will in future call tenders when there is a large quantity of timber required, and not give one individual the monopoly of the lot. I may mention that the settlers promised to contribute £55 in cash towards the Road and Bridge, providing the Board had the work done at once, being so anxious to get on to therp properties ; but as far as I can see it will be months yet before this bridge is r finished. Probably if our, member was a settler in Block 4, we would have a bettor chance of having work expedited. —Yours, &c. Another Ratepayer. Waverley, Sept. 11.