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So.
Q. -Have not these men the same opportunity?
7
A.-It does not necessarily follow a man takes bribes, because his predecessor did
Q.-No; but what reason have you for thinking that one did and not the other? What reason have you for suspecting that these men received bribes?
A.-These men had left the department before I joined it.
Q.-And as soon as they have gone you hear the rumours?
A.-No; I heard it before.
-Can you tell us who told
you?
A.I really forget. It was when Mr. CHADWICK was here, and I took some
interest in sanitary matters.
Q.-And did you adopt any measures to place any check on the present staff?
A.I believe my appointment was partly for the purpose of preventing it.
Q.-And do you yourself inspect and form a check ?
A.In all serious cases I inspect personally.
Q.-But do you go round and see that cases that are serious are properly reported?
A.-I go all over the town.
Q.-You know no way in which the duties of these men could be interfered with by a process of fee giving?
A.-Oh, it is possible, but I don't think it is done.
Q.-Hon. A. LISTER.-Inspector ADAMS had gone before you took charge.
A. He was suspended from duty two days after I took charge.
Q.-The CHAIRMAN.-You say you have heard conversations in which it has been
said that there is corruption in the department?
A.-I don't know about corruption-I suppose you call it corruption.
Q.-I mean jobbery amongst the Overseers, receiving bribes?
A. Or cumshaws, as they are termed.
Q.-You have heard conversations of that kind?
A.--Frequently.
Q.--And you have heard individuals speaking, and have heard them mention the names of Officers?
A.-No; I have heard it stated that some years ago-I don't know how long-some of the subordinate Officers of the department used to toss up for their salaries at the end
of the month. I don't know whether it is correct.