Raetihi plumber "too small" for council job

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 417, 17 December 1991, Page 1

Raetihi plumber "too small" for council job

RAETIHI PLUMBER John Dobson is wondering what he has to do to win a council contract, after missing out on a part of the Ohakune Water Supply scheme work last week. Dobson Brothers plumbers tendered a price for laying new water main to and from the new water treatment plant - a project that is worth about $240,000. His price was lower than the successful tenderer, but his firm has been deemed too small to undertake the work. He said he was told by telephone that he was not the cheapest but a little cheaper

than the two other contractors from Taumarunui and New Plymouth, who have won the job. Mr Dobson said his firm has completed contracts of similar size, within time limits and to a satisfactory standard. "But this is not enough to influence the Council to give a local contractor, who would be employing extra skilled local people desperately in need of work to undertake this contract." "If they had doubts about our ability to do the job why didn't they come and talk to me?" Mr Dobson has been left wondering.

"I wouldn't have tendered for the job if I couldn't handle it." He said he is very disappointed with the council's decision "considering his company has given the Council his full support over the years. "To let this contract to outsiders shows no confidence in local contractors for the near future and success of this district," said Mr Dobson. He said he has the past experience, management experience and ability to undertake this type of work, with equipment capable and suitable for the Turn page 2

RF parade

From page 1 drill was of a very high standard." He expressed his sadness at the suspension of the Regular Force Cadet School and wished the staff and Cadets success in their new appointments. Prize-giving was held in the Camp cinema. All Cadets were given their graduation certificates and special prizes were awarded. Private B F Cutler was awarded prizes for Best All-Round Cadet, the Cadet Company Sergeant Major, and the Best Cadet graduating into the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Other prize winners were: S J Feehly, S E Thomas, P A Fisher, M G Thomson, S Herewini, N S Diack, J G Herniman, W S White, B J

Stewart, A J Ronald, R I Reece, A P Laurence and M A Hanson. Major Ric McDonald, the Officer Commanding Cadet School said 5,223 Cadets had graduated from Cadet School. He described his feelings of great sadness at the suspension, but said the spirit and traditions of the School will stay alive in all the cadets that have graduated. He said the female cadets have shown considerable courage in the physical aspects of the course, especially as it was during a harsh Waiouru winter.