GOVERNMENT CONTRACT.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 74, 18 November 1864, Page 4

GOVERNMENT CONTRACT.

TO, THE ED ITOB 01? THE SOUTHLAND TIMES* Sib,— Under the above heading, I wish to draw your attention to the manner in which tha Invercargili Jetty has been leased. In the conditions for inspection at the Superintendent's' office, the paragraph , distinctly states — '• That a bond is to be entered into for the amount of three months' rent," and in the margin tha - words " make proposal." . ."> Now, the most common-place mind would na- - turally come to the conclusion that a certain amonnt was to be offered yearly for the use of tha - % Jetty, and a bond entered iDto for the payment ot^ one quarter's rent ; instead of which, however, a tender has been accepted for an amount per ton on all goods coining over the Jetty. Now, I contend that the acceptance of suck • tender is not in conformity tvitli tlio condition* mentioned above ; for how, at that rate, can th# ' amount to be paid for one quarter's rent be arrived at ? It may, perhaps, be added, significantly, that the successful candidates are Government officers. My desire in bringing this under your notice ii to show the great inconsistency on the .part o£.the-^~ Government in advertising for tenders when a - line has been previously chalked out, thus giving , 0 a vast amount of unnecessary trouble to contractors who really mean what they are about. Apologising for trespassing so much on j»ur space, I remain, Sir, your obedt. servant, PAIR PLAY._