“Gifts” and Tenders

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 401, 9 July 1928, Page 1

“Gifts” and Tenders

Lively Exchange of Cross-Talk Chairman Resents Insinuations STRONG exception was taken by Mr. J. W. Hayden, chairman of the Waitemata Electric-Power Board, at this morning’s meeting, at the remarks of Mr. T. Lamont on the acceptance of tenders. Mr. Lamont appealed for the opening of tenders in the board’s presence, but Mr. Hayden declared that there were insinuations of favour being given. The discussion arose over the receiving of tenders for a volt cable at the Hobsonville air base. For some minutes hot w r ords flew freely across the board table.

“It is only fair to tenderers that their correspondence be opened in the presence of the board,” declared Mr, Lamont, when Mr. F. J. H. Wilson, resident engineer, reported on the tenders to hand for the Air Base cable. “If tenders are opened before the board, the tenderers will know they are getting security. “Gifts have been offered to members of the board by people who have tendered here. That being so, does a tenderer think that if he offered a gift, he might have more chance for his tender?” “ UNWORTHY INSINUATIONS” Mr. Hayden: 1 think your insinuations and your talk of gifts are not worthy of a man of your position, Mr. Lamont. “Why do you say that?” demanded Mr. Lamont, “Why do you,” Mr. Hayden: I say that because of your remarks and insinuations. I do think they are entirely unworthy of you. Mr. Lamont: They are not! Mr. Hayden: Yes, they are. Mr. Lamont: No, they are not. Mr. Hayden: lam surprised at you, Mr. Lamont. What if your remarks were broadcast. Mr. Lamont: You should not be surprised. You don’t deny that gifts have been offered to board .members, do you? A member: No, not that, Mr. Lamont. Mr. Hayden: The word “gift” conveys a wrong impression. Mr. Lamont: You deny that I said to you: “If I were in your position, gifts would be returned”, Mr. Hayden: They were. Mr. Lamont: I put a motion to you, and you refused to accept it.

Mr. Hayden: What! At a board meeting? TALK OF “GIFTS” Mr. Lamont: You knew by letter. Tho motion was to the effect that no gift should be accepted by this board, the chairman, or any official of this board from any person doing business with the board. And if such gift were offered, that no further business be done with the firm concerned. Mr. Hayden: 1 refused to accept that motion to protect you, and no one else. Mr. Lamont: Me? It was not to protect me. Mr. Hayden: It was. Other board members favoured the opening of tenders in the presence of the board. They said they had heard of no gifts. Mr. Hayden: The question is whether the board is going to accept Richardson and McCabe’s tender or not. I do object strongly to an inuendo that there is any favour. PERSONAL ELEMENT The engineer, Mr. Wilson, hoped that there was no personal reflection in the discussion. “Not at all, Mr. Wilson,” said Mr. Lamont. “I look on you as a man of the highest integrity. In any case, you have nothing to do with this question. It is purely a board matter.” Mr. S. E. Kennings: I can" tell Mr. Wilson that he is held in the highest esteem. Mr. Lamont: Why, I made no attack against Mr. Wilson. Your statement is quite out of order, Mr. Kennings. Mr. Kennings: Oh, I am not attempting to defend Mr. Wilson. The argument fell through with the acceptance of Richardson and McCabe’s tender, as originally recommended by the engineer.