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Witness.-I don't suppose the Contractors would object to be paid in copper sup- posing they get the full amount, but there is a discount on it, and the Shroff pockets that discount.
Hon. A. 'LISTER.-No; the Shroff pays the copper at par, that is the grievance, but copper in the market is at about 13 per cent. discount.
Q.-Hon. F. B. JOHNSON.-You believe in the practice of the Government in paying for work done there is an opportunity of squeezing on the part of the Government officials?
A. Yes, I think there is.
Q-You have told us that you think there is great opportunity both in private and public work for the Contractors to form themselves into a ring?
A.-Yes.
Q.-Do you know the names of the usual Contractors for the Government ?
A.-I did know them, I know some of them now I think.
Q.-Do you think the Government could go with advantage beyond that body, or are pursuing the best course in employing say 15 usual Contractors?
A.-These men are about the best in the Colony for their special work. If I have any special work, say it is paving, I try to get one of the Government Contractors; so with sewers, I try to get the Government Contractor for sewers.
Q.-But with regard to the inviting of tenders, do you think the Government would go with advantage beyond the usual number to whom notices are sent?
A.-No; it would only lead to other difficulties. in the Colony.
These are really the best men
Q.-You have told us the Government work is as cheap, quality for quality, as private work, and now you say you don't think the system of having a certain number of Contractors is more apt to lead to the formation of a ring than any other?
A.-No; but what I want to say in addition to that is that supposing these Con- tractors were given to understand that immediately on Mr. PRICE certifying their account was correct they would get their money at the Bank, the full amount, you would get it five or six per cent. cheaper. It is this waiting, Clerks making out bills, and so on.
Q.-And if a Contractor could get a cheque immediately?
A. You would find a difference of about five per cent.
Q. In your private practice I suppose you often find the Contractors endeavour to give you bad material?
A.-Invariably.