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A.-None I could particularise, only that I thought it was a libel on the depart- ment generally.
Q.-That article in the newspaper?
A. Yes, of course I have read the articles in the newspapers.
Q.-Well, that article says, towards the end, "Mr. PRICE is reported to be a deter- mined opponent of the jobbery said to prevail so extensively amongst the subordinate members of the department."
A. That is the point,
Q.-You say that is true?
A.-No, I do not.
Q.-That it is said to prevail?
A.-Oh yes, that it is said to prevail.
Q.-Well now it is upon that that this inquiry proceeds the complaint with reference to that statement. You see the first thing we want to find out is who it is
that puts these things about. make inquiries?
Could you suggest any one to us from whom we could
A.—No, I could not. As I say, I have made few friends since I have been in the Colony. I keep myself to myself and don't go about. The only place where I have heard these things was at the place I have mentioned, and it was over the table.
Q.-No names mentioned?
A. No, merely the department generally.
Q.-With reference to that taking down of work, I suppose as Clerk of Works you visit the works under your control every few days?
A. Yes.
Q.-Then you find a certain amount of work four or five days' old?
+
A. I generally visit one each day if I can.
Q.-So that you go to a particular one every four or five days?
Hon. A. LISTER.-I think I understand you get to each one once a day.
A. Yes.
Q.-The CHAIRMAN.-Then I suppose there is never more than one day's work to pull down?
A.-No.
Q.—I mean you don't make them pull down a week's work?
A.-Oh, no.