South Canterbury Times, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1881.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2434, 6 January 1881, Page 2

South Canterbury Times, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1881.

The Harbor Board, we think, have done a very judicious thing in deciding to leave well alone. So far as their works hav.c progressed contract labor has given a very good , account- of itself, and to exchange it for day labor might prove an expensive experiment. In refusing a trial for day labor the members have bad to disregard the persuasive facts, figures, and recommendations of their engineer. But such a s]n of disobedience is excusable, since groat genius and stupendous blunders often run in parallel Hues, If the theoretical and the practical could only have been brought into intimate relationship in the construction of the Timaru Breakwater, the building of blocks on sand and shingle would never have caused uneasiness, and the employment of bags of concrete below the superstructure would not have provoked discussion. Unfortunately for transcendental human ability, the beauty of the design is no criterion of the stability of the work. This has been proved by repeated failures, from the destruction of the tower of Babel to the collajjse of the Tay Bridge. For this reason the most skilful mathematician is not the most reliable authority. Engineers ami contractors almost invariably differ in their estimates. Why ? . Because the former prepare their results on paper, while the latter rely on the lessons of experience, and by a process of comparative analysis arrive at a fairly accurate estimate of the actual coat. Engineers who deal with the abstract rarely make a sufficient allowance for contingencies. It is the “ extras,” for which no provision has been made, that cat away the principal, and vendor large undertakings, which seemed originally reasonable, eventually expensive.

lii rejecting: the advice tendered by tlioir engineer, the Board have displayed a commendable degree of prudence. The members foresaw that the proposed experiment might prove a costly one, and they decided to leave well alone, Since the Timaru Breakwater was commenced a good deal of money has been lavished on experimental work, and if the Board’s officers have not profitted by experience the members hare. The substitution of day labor for contract labor would have involved a considerable outlay for rolling stock and plant, and if the experiment proved a failure the Board would have had the pleasure of buying in a dear market and selling in a cheap one. Beyond the figures and recommendations submitted in Mr Good all’s supplementary report, there has been nothing to shew that any advantage could arise from a deviation from the safe system of letting the extension of the Breakwater by contract. Experience in the colonies every where proves that where important and extensive works have to be prosecuted, contract labor is the cheapest. Day labor under a corporation invites patronage, and under a system of patronage abuses of a most pernicious character grow steadily. Where there is no fixed responsibility it is impossible for any work to be prosecuted in a satisfactory maimer.

A glance at the organisation of labor under a contractor, and the inevitable disorganisation of labor under a public bod}', such as the Harbor Board, will indicate what we mean. Under the one there is no danger of serious collision. The contractor undertakes to do a certain amount of work under specific conditions. The Board, know the cost, and it is the duty of their officers to see that the work is faithfully performed. With any disputes as to hours of labor or wages they have nothing to do. They are relieved consequently of an amount of responsibility that might bo very harassing at times. The contractor is an efficient buffer between the Board and their servants, and the men who are employed. His presence is a useful precaution against breakage and loss. But suppose that day labor were introduced, what would be the probable consequence ? Would not the very, atmosphere that the Board inhales be impregnated with imputations and grievances ? The first breach of harmony would be the signal for open revolt. Needless offices would in all probability be created, and the Breakwater would gradually become a sort of cabinet-making establishment for the manufacture of chairs for the accommodation of friends all round. Or presuming there was no favoritism, the Board and its officers would always live under the suspicion. If jars arose between employers and employed instead of being closed promptly they would grow like the rents in the concrete. The Board, instead of being allowed to pursue their work of general supervision, would Lave their time taken up in the capacity of referees investigating personal grievances, and arbitrating between men and officers. We feel confident, notwithstanding Mr Goodall’s able and exhaustive report in favor of day labor, that the Board in rejecting it have consulted their own peace of mind, and the public advantage.