(75)
Q. -Hon. F. B. JOHNSON.-With reference to this work that is not done by contract and which you measure. We have had it stated by a gentleman connected with the department that in his belief Overseers who measure work make out bills, or if they don't make out bills assist the Contractors in making out their claims. Have you ever
done that?
A. Yes. I have. I assist them to put the work right.
Q. And it is considered justifiable to receive remuneration?
A.-I never received anything.
-I don't say in the way of a bribe, but for assisting them?
Q.-I
A.-No, I have never had an offer of anything.
Q.-You have never heard of an Officer in your department having received any- thing in this way? Not in the way of a bribe, but for work done?
A.-I have never heard of such a thing. I have heard Mr. DAVIS say he had an offer of money, but he would not take it. He said he would report the man to the Surveyor General if he offered him the money again. That is all I have heard.
The Commission adjourns.
EIGHTH MEETING,
17th January, 1884.
Mr. W. DANBY, Architect, is examined,--
Q.-Hon. A. LISTER.-How long have you been in Hongkong, Mr. DANBY?
A.-Ten years and a half.
Q.—And of that time what portion was passed in the Public Works Department?
A.-About five years.
Q.-We want to ask you about the cost of Public Works, about which I think you you could give us some information, the cost of Public Works as compared with those carried out by private Architects.
said
A.-How do you mean? In what way?
Q.--Statements have been made that Government works are carried on in an extra- vagant and expensive way, or there seems to be an impression to that effect. Can you give us any information about that?
A.—What I find in my experience is this. Government work as a rule is done in a much better way, is of much better quality, than that of private individuals, and of
have to pay more for it.
course you