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213
tenance of that road will cost double the maintenance of a well constructed
road. To make this point more clear, take a road that has been scamped in
construction, where in parts a strict eye has been kept and may have been well
constructed, in other parts the construction may be defective, with little
foundation, which would soon sink and cause depression in the surface, and by
the continual bumping of the carts out of these depressions others would be
formed, and the road would soon be full of holes. The maintenance of such
roads as these would be a heavy burden on the ratepayers for ever.
If such were the state of things and that roads were constructed in this form,
then that would be a great point in favour of this work being done by the
Vestry's own workmen. I am happy to say that such does not exist, for I
contend that if the Vestry were to do this work themselves no better workmanship
could be applied. I am therefore of opinion upon this point that no
advantage would be derived by departing from the existing principle.
It might be imagined that by the Vestry expending such a large sum of
money in dealing with this work with their own workmen, the labour trade of
Fulham might be very much benefited. It is, however, a fact that the men
who engage in this class of work do not live in Fulham. They are a class of
men that travel to all parts of the country where these works are being carried
out, and the fact of their coming here to work for the Vestry would only amount
to the same as a contractor bringing them here to work.
The only thing in this way that would benefit the parish has, I think, been
done, that is, where in former times paving known as quarry squared was used,
it is now squared in Fulham instead of Yorkshire. Contractors have found that,
owing to the great quantity of stone condemned, they now get the stone rough
and square it on the ground. I therefore think that the labour market of
Fulham would not be benefited in the least by the Yestry dealing with this
work.
If the Vestry should decide to do this work themselves, there would have
to be considerable additions to the staff, as it would necessitate opening an
entire set of books, with timekeepers and persons to measure the materials and
check invoices, at least four permanent gangers would have to be engaged, and
during the time the Vestry are doing no work (as such times may occur), both
plant and staff would remain idle.
I have not attempted to deal with this matter upon the assumption that the
Vestry were immediately going to deal with this work; that would have to
be in a subsequent report. I have only endeavoured to bring such facts before
them as would suggest the advisability of dealing with this matter.
In conclusion, I am of opinion that this is a question of such importance that
the voice of the Vestry should be taken, and that I ought not to advise upon a
matter which is practically an innovation, and which in my mind is one of pure
speculation.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
W. SYKES.