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Mr. BOWDLER.--How can I do it?
The CHAIRMAN.-We leave that to you.
Mr. BOWDLER.—Then I must apply to the Colonial Secretary.
The CHAIRMAN.-Well.
Mr. BOWDLER. I cannot do so because I have not got the papers at my disposal; they are not in the office.
The CHAIRMAN.—Quite so. You will take your own way of obtaining the in- formation, but we shall be much obliged if you will do so.
in
Mr. BOWDLER.-But I have not got the papers.
The CHAIRMAN.--We are quite aware of that.
Major MULLOY is examined,-
Q.—Hon. A. LISTER.-You are a Major of the Royal Engineers, I believe?
A. Yes.
Q.-How long have you been in Hongkong?
A.-Nearly three years.
Q.-Have you been connected with any Civil works in Hongkong during that time?
A.-No.
Q.-Nor had any interest in the working of the Public Works Department?
A.-No, no interest. Of course I know a little about it, but not much.
Q. What would you say is the largest work the Royal Engineers have carried out
time here?
your
A. The largest work begun and completed in my time I should say is the
Sanitarium.
Q-In setting about a work of that kind you always call for tenders, I believe?
A.—Yes, for a large work of that kind.
Q. Do you necessarily accept the lowest tender?
A.-Not necessarily, but almost always; we must give good reasons for not doing so.
Q.-What would the reasons be?
A.-Well, that is always a very difficult thing. For instance, the known bank- ruptcy or incompetency of a man would be a good reason, but you have to be very cautious before you assert that. It would not be right to do it except on very good grounds. Your mere suspicion or doubt would not be enough.