THE NORTHERN APPROACH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10150, 21 December 1910, Page 5

THE NORTHERN APPROACH.

QUESTION Of FINANCE. ™ DISCUSSED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL.

At the meeting of the Masterton Borough Council last evening, a letter was read from the Clerk to the Masterton County Council, stating that owing to the first 'contractor having abandoned his contract, fresh tenders had been called for the bridges at the northern approach, ai«d the tender of Messrs Wolff Bros., at £4,380 4s, had been accepted. In consequence of the increased contract price, the Council would require to find more money, or a less sum would be expended than that proposed. The Mayor stated that the County Council apparently had no option but to accept tne lowest tender. It would be necessary for the Borough Council to find an additional £3OO, or to curtail the work. Cr. Morris did not think that ths Council was warranted in expending an extra sum without fresh authority.

Cr. Hoar was of opinion that none of the work should be curtailed, but that the County Council should find the money required. Cr. Prentice did not think they should spoil the ship for a ha'povth of tar.

In answer to Cr. Temple, the Mayor stated that it would cost a considerable sura of money to complete the work after the '.wo contracts were finished.

Cr. Ellictt did not think they could affcrd to spoil the job at this stage. Cr. Pauling was surprised ac the extra cost of the work beiDg to large. At the same time he could not see that the Council could turn back. Cr. Hoar asserted that the whole business had been a bungle.

■Cr. gPauling asked if the £3OO would the total liability of the Council."\ ' 'lhe Mayor said he could not be expected to give an assurance on this point. Cr. Morris did not think the Council was right in entering into the buainets, from the start. Cr. Hoar wculd like to know where the £3OU demands upon the Council were going to end. The Mayor stated that had he been in the same position as the Chairman of the County Council, he would have adopted the same course. The further consideration of the matter was deferred till next meeting.