COUNTY COUNCIL PAYMENTS.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1082, 3 May 1882, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL PAYMENTS.

«. [to the editor inangahua tihes.] Sir, — Will you allow me space to denounce a grevious wrong done me and mine— who to blame I leave the public to judge. Sir :We we entered into a contract with the County Council to alter and make certain works at Antonio's and Blackwater, and as the job proceeded, progress payments were made from time to time to the contractors which were drawn hy three or fgujLot . .tbe_fiqnij»c=tors Bighirig lor same. One payment of £100 was passed, but reduced by ordera given, to £37 10s., which on application, to the clerk of Council by one of the contractors, he was told that before he could pay any moiiey away he (the clerk) required the signatures of at least three or four of the contractors — the applicant, Richard Willis, obtained four signatures of tho contractors, and on returning with this proof of his integrity was informed that M'Quillan, a publican in this town (and likewise a contractor) had drawn the money on his signature solely on Wednesday, the 26th instant, a further sum of £131 15s. was passed for payment, and on the following day two of the contractors waited upon the clerk at 15 minutes past 3 p.m., who informed them that the money would be ready during the evening. They, in company with myself, returned at 10 minutes to 4 p.m., and we were coolly informed that M'Quillan had been there, and drawn the money on his own signature "only," as being one of the contractors he was quite justified in doing so. But now comes the most extraordinary part of these unique proceedings. Orders were given by most of the contractors from time to time, on the Council, for different sums addressed to Mr Harold as clerk of Council, and I gave one to Mr Oxley at 'Xmas last signed by myself and son (a contractor) in the usual form and style, as I had given others on previous occasions, which were always acknowledged. My surprise waa great, indeed, when I learnt from that most urbane and at the same time irate gentleman, the clerk, that my order to to Mr Oxley had been entirely ignored, and all other orders given by contractors, paid. If I had been fairly handicapped and worn the right, colours, there is no doubt you would not have been troubled with this communication. — I am, &c, George Willis. We hereby certify that the above statement is true in every particular set forth. Richard Willis "j James Cullen > Contractors. George Handy, J Reefton, 29th April, 1882.