Correspondence.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 328, 7 February 1874, Page 3

Correspondence.

THE TOWN HALL TENDERS. (To the Editor.) Sir, — Our Town Council advertised for tenders for building a Town Hall, and specified that each tender was to be accompanied by a marked cheque. In answer to that advertisement, I took considerable pains to compile an estimate for same, and duly lodged a tender, accompanied by a marked cheque, as required. My tender was the lowest in amount of those who had complied with the specification by lodging a marked cheque along with it. Instead of the Council awarding me the contract, they thought proper to give it to another whose was incomplete in not being accompanied by a marked cheque as required. Sir, ought ■ public bodies like our Town Council to hold out inducements to tradesmen to tender - for work under specifications like the above, and after all give an informal tender the preference ? What interest could the Council have in this matter ; or had they, or any of their members, a right to hold such an interest on a subject in favor of any tender? When the Mayor opened the tenders, why didMie not state to Councillors as he opened them those who had not complied with the specifications, and put it to the vote whether such were to be dealt with or not ? Public justice would dictate the pursuance of a different action than the one which has been taken in this instance, and which will have the effect of causing many to refrain from acceding to the wants of such public bodies, whosa b«oinoeeoerpacitj appears to beclevoid of all principle and justice. Hoping that in the future the Council will not allow the excitement of the hour to triumph over their better judgment in deliberations for the public good, — I am, &c., Alexander Humphrey.