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Q.-Here is a bill before me in his handwriting at this moment, dated 30th August
A. That may possibly be so.
Q.-You never wrote out bills for Contractors, did you?
A.--Not at the time I was corresponding clerk, but I have since.
Q.-Do Contractors ever come and ask you as a favour to write out bills for them?
A. They do not.
Q.-Under what circumstances then do you write out bills?
A. For the Government. The time is looked after by a time-keeper and, separate bills have to be made out for the various works for which the time is accounted for.
Q.-Why don't Contractors make out their bills?
A.--Because they are not allowed. It is my duty.
Q-As to bills for general work, have you ever written out any of these?
A.-Oh, certainly; in many instances I have. For instance, a bill from LANE CRAWFORD's, or any other person. The bills they send in may contain a number of different items which have to be charged to various works, one which has to be charged to Works and Buildings; another, the Maintenance of Telegraphs; another Roads, Streets and Bridges, and a fresh bill has to be made out.
Q.-That is really to save Messrs. LANE, CRAWFORD & Co. the trouble of making
out a lot of bills?
A.-Exactly.
Q.-But I am speaking more particularly of bills for Chinese Contractors. Have you under
circumstances made out bills for Chinese Contractors?
any
A.-Instances may have occurred in which I have done so.
Q.-A bill having got into a mess, for instance?
A. Yes, I have done that.
Q.-But you have not habitually written out bills?
A.-No; in fact, my time will not allow me.
Q.-Then as far as you know it is no part of CHAN FUK's duty to make out bills for Contractors?
A.-As far as I can see I don't see how it can touch him.
Q.-You take out money to Tai-tam to pay people there?
A.-I do, once or twice a month.