PIAKO METAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 178, 18 October 1927, Page 2

PIAKO METAL

RIVAL TENDERS DISCUSSED An acrimonious discussion took place at Piako County Council meeting at Te Aroha on Monday, Cr. W. R Lowry presiding, on the question of metal supplies for the year. At laat meeting - the council carried a resolution authorising the purchase of metal from Clarkin’s quarry, as it was stated by the chairman the county would be saving over £I,OOO. When this nis carried, Cr. Walters lodged a notkc of motion to rescind the same. M to-day’s meeting Cr. Walters moved his motion and the chairman seconded it, pro forma, on the grounds that it were better to ventilate the matter. The chairman at the same time handed in another tender from ClarkiD, which was lower than the previous one. This raised a storm of protest The opposers contended that it was only fair to allow the next lowest tenderer, the Tirohia Quarry Company, to put in another price also. However, after an hour’s discussion it was agreed, on the chairman’s casting vote, to receive Clarkin’s tender. At this stage Cr. Walters objected unless the Tirohia was again approached. The chairman agreed to leave the meeting and approach the manager, telling the council not to disperse (for lunch) until he had five minutes’ start and facetiously stated that he would allow no scope for information to leave the council table until he had carried out his desires. After waiting for five minutes “the prisoners,” including the Press, adjourned. After the luncheon adjournment the chairman stated that the new tender of Tirohia was for 7s 6d per yard at the quarry and 8s on the trucks as far as Waihou. The engineer, Mr. W. J. Gibbs, gave a satement to the effect that by accepting Tirohia’s tender the council would affect a saving of £4OO a year* In defence of that statement the chairman said that at the last meeting the only tender that was in order was Clarkin’s and his estimate of saving a £I,OOO was based on the best estimate received. After the matter had been vigorously debated it was agreed that the supplies be divided between the two quarries* The amount required is 16,500 yards.