Finance Committee Criticised

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 43, 20 February 1937, Page 2

Finance Committee Criticised

OPENING OF POWER BOARD TENDERS. (Special to “Times.”) WAIPUKURAU, Feb. 19. 1 Exception to tho manner in which the finance committee had dealt with certain tenders was taken at the meeting , of the Central Hawke’s Bay Power Board to-day. In the report of the finance commit- j tee which met on January 22, it was ; stated:—“Only one tender was received for tho construction of lines in the ; board’s area, and it was decided that tho date for receiving tenders be extended until February 12.” Mr M. Ryan said that Mr Ashby, the original tenderer, had complained to him that his tender had been opened fand tbe closing date had then been extended, although tho extension had not been advertised of it. “Tho amount of Mr Ashby’s tender might have leaked out, which would give others a chance to cut his price,” said Mr Ryan. Tho secretary-manager (Mr G. E. Fowler) said that the tender had to be opened by the chairman before the finance committee meeting on January 22 so that it could be tabulated, whicn was a lengthy job. Immediately after the meeting on January 22 he had written to Mr Ashby, acknowledging receipt of his tender, and advising him that it would be dealt with at the next meeting of the board. After the tender was opened it was placed in the safe. “There is no suggestion of ulterior motives, Mr Chairman,” said Mr R. A. Fraser, during a long discussion. “But you have left a loophole for adverse criticism. You might as well admit that you were wrong. Once you open a man’s tender you can’t call for fresh tenders against him.” “All I can say is thac the committee acted in good faith,” said Mr A. C. Holms. The chairman: Well, no harm has been done. Mr Holms: The board says that fresh tenders should have been called and we must bow to its wish and call them now. It was decided to call fresh tenders. The secretary pointed out that the tenders would have to be opened before the meeting, as there were hours ot work in tabulating them. On the motion of Mr Chambers, seconded by Mr Holms, it was decided that the tenders close on March 15, and that the chairman and secretary open them for tabulation and presentation to the March meeting.