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-That is not supposed to be sufficient certificate for that?
A. No, the Audit Office looks up the book.
Q.-But suppose it is for 20 feet of brick-work?
A. The Audit Office re-checks all the bills.
Q.-What is the object of that?
A. That is the rule.
Q. What do they check?
A. The price and the amount.
Q.-How do they check the prices?
A.-By the schedule.
Q.-But has not that been done before, when Mr. PRICE signs it?
A.-Besides that they want to check it themselves.
Hon. A. LISTER.-The Audit Office checks everything whether the money is provided for, whether the man is entitled to it, whether the amount is correct, and everything connected with it. It is their object to discover an objection if they can.
*20th.
Q.—The CHAIRMAN.--Well, what do they do with it then?
A.-I don't know.
Q.-You have done your part of it?
A. Yes.
Q. And how long does it take you?
A.-Just the time to make up the addition.
Q.--Then you can send them in the same day?
A. Yes.
Q.-Do you do so, or do you
wait till the 20th ?
A.-Big bills I send up the moment I get them; small bills I must keep till the
receive a verbal order to pay at once?
Q.-Then what are these bills you said you
A.-Bills for China New Year,-the Contractors'.
Q.-But big bills you say you always send in at once?
A. Yes.
Q.-But small ones you keep till the 20th?
A. Yes.