RETURNED UNOPENED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 642, 19 April 1929, Page 14

RETURNED UNOPENED

CITY SHINGLE TENDERS After a lengthy discussion last evening the City Council decided to return tenders for shingle without opening them. At th© last meeting the council decided the tenders were too high, and called for fresh ones. The opposition to the tenders was led by Cr. W. Casey, who, by notice of motion, asked the council to deal in the open market in the meantime. He gave figures to show that the council was being asked to pay anything up to 5s a yard more than other local bodies or contractors. The council should find itself able to buy at least 2s a yard, or at the rate of several thousand pounds annually, under the tender prices, and he suggested that they do so. Mr. E. J. Phelan seconded. “If there is any suggestion that the market is being “rigged” against us, an officer should be appointed to investigate,” said Mr. J. A. C. Allum, who feared the possible results of the council buying privately. There was always a chance of insinuations and trouble. Miss Melville said the council should have enough common-sense to at least see what prices were quoted in the new tenders already in hand. “I can tell you the price in the tenders—the same as last time/-’ said Cr. Casey*. The notice of motion was declared carried on the voices. Mr. Casey then gave an undertaking that supplies could be obtained at a saving of 2s on the tendered prices, and the council would be saved at least X 2,400, based on the average supplies of the past four years. The material, he further asserted, would bear the closest inspection. •‘lt is perfectly ridiculous for a councillor to give a personal undertaking like that,” commented Miss Melville. “It is altering the whole basis of our business.” The new tenders will be returned unopened.