MR HEPBURN ON VARIOUS WORKS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3507, 25 April 1912, Page 7

MR HEPBURN ON VARIOUS WORKS

HOW LONG WILL THE SVIETAL SUPPLY LAST? A STARTLING RUMOR. Chatting to a Gisborne Times representative last night, Mr. Hepburn said that the ratepayers could depend upon it that be would do his level best to see that full value was obtained m connection 'with the various works that are in hand. One thing that would, lie said, receive his attention -was the present system under which it was sought to carry cut most of the undertakings that were in progress. He never had any love for the day labor system, and what had been done under thau system in Gisborne had g-onc further to convince him that it involved a waste of money. If the contract system had been adopted throughout itwould have, meant a- great saving to the ratepayers. ; MJr- Hepburn referred to the septic tank ■ that was .erected at Stanley Road. He had, he sa'id, impressed upon the Engineer that it was the wroncr time of the year to start such a work. But Mr. Patterson had allowed the work to proceed, and the result was that the work had cost three times as much as it ought to have cost. With reference to the question or finance, Mr Hepburn said it was quite clear that further loans would be necessary to l finish some of the undertakings. There was certainly not sufficient money to finish the electric scheme, the tramways scheme, or the street improveriient scheme. Discussing the metal supply problem, Mr. Hepburn gave for what it was worth the substance of a report which he had heard. It was stated, on what seemed to be good authority, he said, that the metal at the Gentle Annie quarry would run out in about six months! What could be done in the matter, if the report were correct would have to: be considered. It might pay, for. instance, to shift the line on to the Patutahi quarry I hen again there was, he believed good vstonci on or til)out Mr. Ol&ilv s pioperty at Te Arai. In regard to 1 the sewepage works, Mr- Hepburn said that the introduction even at a late stage- of the contract system had had a very good effect. He wasi certain that if tenders had been let in the first instance the works could have been completed at a considerable saving. As things were to-day there was now a great improvement in the cost .of the works compared with what tliev cost originally.