WASTE CHARGES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 493, 24 October 1928, Page 1

WASTE CHARGES

ENGINEER’S REPLIES MANY SUBJECTS COVERED Arising out of the allegations of civic waste and mismanagement made by Councillor W. H. Murray, the special committee of inquiry appointed by the City Council yesterday considered 17 reports concerning seven of the 12 items on the reference list. The reports were presented by the city engineer, Mr. W. E. Bush, and made a large file. Referring to kerbs and pitchers, the engineer stated that, with the large programme of work started in 1925, some of the contractors could not supply their quota of stone, and outside supplies had to be sought. With the increased requirements others than regular cutters took up kerb and pitcher cutting, and there was keen competition. In August, 1927, offers of stone at lOd to lid for kerbs and B£d to 9ld for pitchers were received, but it had to be realised that the council insisted on current wages and an eight-hour day on the part of contractors, and at this price the other supplies showed nothing more than a reasonable profit to the vendors. Cr. E. J. Phelan considered the council had made a mistake in not getting new contracts instead of just ordering from people other than contractors. “I am impressed by the fact that there were no written complaints at the time,” remarked the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon. Mr. Bush explained that the Stone Jug quarry was closed owing to the poor condition of the stone and the quarry being uneconomical. The committee decided to inspect. Councillors J. Donald and M. J. Coyle submitted receipts for payment for material obtained from the council, Cr. Donald, in addition, producing a receipt for wages. The town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, said he did not know any prohibition on councillors purchasing from a local body to which they belonged. The i prohibition was on selling to the council. Mr. Bush asserted that the wire rope valued at £175 used at Nihotupu dam had been placed above the highest known tide level, and had been thoroughly greased to preserve it until it was required at Huia. It had suffered no marked deterioration, and had been transferred to Huia dam for use. With regard to the engine left at Nihotupu, he reported that it had been found unsuitable and its failure on the job did not encourage hope of its sale. Deterioration was inevitable. •The engine, was not purchased in the usual way/ We had no option but to take it over frofti the contractor,” remarked Cr. Phelan. Mr. Bush asserted that no inferior material was used in the construction of Nihotupu dam. The committee will inspect the enj gine, and will also visit Grafton Gully in connecton with loss of bitumen. Mr. Bush stated that mischievous | youths rolled 18 casks, full or partly ! full of bitumen, from the yard down l the gully. Leakage had been the only j loss, however. The loss of bitumen i since 1925 had been valued at about i £35. The erection of depots to store i it would rum out at £250 each.