TENDERS TOO HIGH

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20742, 28 February 1939, Page 9

TENDERS TOO HIGH

DRAINAGE BOARD’S WORK LABOUR NOT AVAILABLE HEAVY BLACKBERRY GROWTH Owing to the high prices quoted, several tenders considered at a meeting of the Te Rapa Drainage *Board yesterday had to be declined and it was later stated by the clerk, Mr N. G. Gribble, that to have the work done, which the board considered necessary, would cost £7BO, against £SOO which was considered sufficient. The high rate of tendering had resulted in the board being able to let only 10 out of 13 contracts. Mr Gribble said an inspection showed that many ratepayers had failed to comply with a notice to clear blackberries and this had contributed to the high prices being asked for cleaning the drains. The board supported this view and decided that advice be sent out stating that in cases where blackberries had not been cut and cleared from the board s drains by March 10, drastic steps would be taken to enforce compliance. In commenting upon the position, the chairman, Mr .1. S. Elliott, said if ratepayers would not co-operate with the board they would have to face a tremendous increase in rates. The prices asked by tenderers were 50 per cent and. in some cases, 100 percent more than the board was prepared to pay.

“Contractors say that they have plenty to do and that they find it most difficult to get sui.able men for this work,” said Mr Gribble. “They are willing to pay up to 2os per day to a really good worker.”