April 10, 1915 (12th Parliament, 5th Session)

Hon. ROBERT ROGERS (Minister of Public Works):

I desire to make a statement in reference to a memorandum read by the hon. member for St. John (Mr. Pugsley) last night in respect to tenders which it had been represented to him had been called for in Victoria for supplying coal to the Militia Department, and which stated that the lowest tender had not been accepted. I asked the department for a statement in connection with the matter, and have received the following;
The last contract made was for the twelve months beginning April 1, 1914. In February, 1914, tenders were invited by newspaper advertisement, the last day for receiving tenders being March 10, 1914. The only tender received at that date was that of Kirk and Company, Limited of Victoria, whose tender was accepted at the following prices: Washed nut,
$6 per ton; Smith's coal, $10 per ton; steam coal, slack, $3.55 per ton; steam coal, double screened, $7 per ton; run of mine, $6.75 per ton; screened house coal, $7.10 per ton.
Three other tenders were received late, on the 16th March. These were as follows :
J. E. Painter and Son: Washed nut, $5 75
per ton; Smith's coal, $10 per ton; steam coal, slack, $3.50 per ton; steam coal, double screened, $6.75 per ton; run of mine $6 45 per ton. ' -
Victoria Fuel Company: Washed nut, $6 15
per ton; steam coal, slack, $3.65 per ton [DOT] steam coal, double screened, $6.93 per ton - run of mine, $6.45 per ton.
J. Kingham and Company: Washed nut $6
per ton; steam coal slack, $3.50 per ton - steam coal, double screened, $6.75 per ton; run of mine, $6.50 per ton.
Tenders for the new contract for the year beginning1 April 1, 1915, were invited in the usual way, by newspaper advertisement, in March last, the last days for receiving tenders being the 25th and 28th March. Tenders were duly received, opened and scheduled ; but owing to extreme pressure of other work, no contracts have yet been made.
II. W. Brown, Director of Contracts.