CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1163, 30 September 1882, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinionexpressed by our correspondents].

government' contracts.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—“ Intending Contractor,” in his letter of the 29th inst., appealed to you to use your influence in exposing the little game carrying on by the “ring” he refers to. I can only say that the manner in which Government work is dealt with by Government officials who have the control of such works is, to say the least of it, simply disgraceful. There are plenty of men in the district to testify to the accuracy of “ In- i tending Contractor's ” statements. It is a shame and a disgrace that such vile trickery should be carried on, and no notice taken by persons who are aware of it. This combination of officials and outsiders referred to in “Intending Contractor’s” letter is easily ; distinguished, the rcltii outsider, who, with his bland beguiling smile, is, I am informed, reaping a good harvest through joining issue with this ring of officials. Tenders were called for the Ormond-Opotiki road in the evening papers of Friday, the 22nd, and closed on Monday 25th. Why was this plan resorted to ? Well, simply to debar country settlers (who are usually the contractors) from having time to examine the works and tender for them, then as a natural consequence. the work is given to other Government officials (who are in the swim) at their own price. “ Intending contractor ” gives several strong and good reasons for his writing. He states when he had a contract for the Motu-Opotiki road he applied to the surveyor in charge for his money, and was informed if he went to town he could get it advanced less 16 per cent. Just fancy such a reply coming from a Government surveyor, but he was not such a as to accept it. It is high time this little game was played out and the ring broken up. There are plenty of other similar cases can be quoted if required. This is what is termed Government official duty in Poverty Bay, and it is high time there should be a stop put to it. lam informed that our member, Mr M‘Donald, is aware of the little game, and if so, I think it only just and right that he should ask for an enquiry into the matter. This little trick must be nearly related to the )ate cottage business already commented on in your columns.—l am, &c., Fair Play.