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Q.-Let us take the Sanitarium. Suppose the building of the Sanitarium has been just decided on, what are the first steps taken to carry it out?
A. First you would ask for tenders. There is a certain amount voted for it, suppose we say £7,000. That £7,000 cannot be exceeded except by special authority of the Secretary of State. Then there are what are called Division Officers here, and they have under them what are called foreman of works, Sergeants of Sappers.
Q.-But I suppose first specifications would be prepared?
A. The specification for the work would of course be prepared in the first instance, and immediately afterwards estimates would be prepared based on our Schedule of prices.
Q. And then you advertise for tenders?
A. Yes.
Q.-What is your system when you have got the tenders? When you have got the tenders and opened them do you necessarily give the contract to the lowest tenderer, or do
you exercise a discretion?
P
A. We give it to the lowest. The names of all parties tendering are given to me and I go and make inquiries. I find out about their competency and as to their means. I come here to this office and ask Mr. PRICE or Mr. BOWDLER if he could recommend
these men, or I go to others for whom they have done work, or if a man refers to the Bank I go to the Bank and see if he has funds at his disposal.
Q.-Then you don't necessarily choose the lowest tender?
A.-No, not if he is not competent.
Q.-But as a rule you do?
A. Yes, we must, because if there was a lower tender than the one accepted we must give our reasons to the Secretary of State for War why it was not accepted.
Q.—I think I saw a printed form on which you assign the reason?
A. Yes, we have to give that reason.
Q.-Then having accepted the tender what check do you keep on the man as to the performance of the work, as to Overseers?
A.--That is the point I spoke to you about. There are two divisions here. Of course the Commanding Engineer is the Senior Officer in the place. I as Surveyor am immediately under his orders. Then there are two Division Officers, Major MULLOY and Major LLOYD. They have got a staff of foremen under them. At intervals I am asked to go and look at the works, not in the way of inspection, but to see if there is anything going wrong and which I could prevent. There is no responsibility on me whatever. That is the reason I say the man who was to measure the work ought in no way to be responsible for the work, because he would have a one-sided interest and could not act indifferently between two parties.