OUR SAPIENT COUNCILLORS. TO THE EDITOR.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1236, 1 June 1880, Page 3

OUR SAPIENT COUNCILLORS. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — For the second time the BorOngh Council called for tenders for engineering services, and for the second time, as soon as tenders were received, they resolved that they would not appoint anybody, and if I mistake not very much this was done in, both instances on the motion of Cr. Vialou. Perhaps the same thing is to be done again as was the case a year or two ago, viz. : After getting all the tenders and learning their amounts, go and appoint a man who never tendered at all. I think all will "agree that this sort of thiDg is hardly business-like, to put it in a mild form. Then, again, how the Councillors stultified themselves in the matter! Councillor Viulou's motion was that the Borough not being- in a position, &c, &c, do not appoint an Engineer, but that for any work absolutely required a local Engineer be employed. This was carried \ and a few moments later it was resolved that Mr Gwynneth he employed to take the levels of Richmond - street. Councillor McGarrigle proposed that Mr Sandes be employed, whereupon Councillor Price charged the former with having proposed Mr Sandes simply because that gentleman was present, and Cr Vialou stated that he would not have any objection, but that as there was a disputed account between Mr Sandes and the Domain Board, he thought it might be better not to employ that gentleman ! A very wise remark, truly, Councillor Vialou ! you might as well have told the truth at once. Now, Mr Gwynneth lives away from Hamilton, and the absurdity of getting a professional mm to make a special journey to do £3 or £4 worth of work must be apparent to any body. I say, £3 or £4 for that is the value of the thing if done by a local man, but the burgesses may rest assured if Mr G-wynneth comes down specially from Cambridge, twice £4 will be more like the thing, and this is the way our Councillors set about retrenchment. They plead poverty when any back street wants making, and at the same time throw away, aye, absolutely squander pounds and pounds in calling for tenders for engineering and in paymg premiums to obtain foreign professional a s sistance when they have all they , want at home, and at a moderate price. — I am, &c, A. Burgess

The new Pure Cash System now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It has been a great success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods arc marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. s,ell their drapery, millinary, and clothing at such prices for cash as ghes the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bear a portion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are detirmined to give the pure cash system a fair trial ; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house turniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is Nh\v and cheaply bought. An inspection is invited. — Gaklick and Cranwell, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queenstreet, Auckland.