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Q.-We want to know if you can tell us anything about all these reports that have been going about, about the corruption said to prevail amongst the Overseers, or in the department in any way. Do you yourself know anything about it?
A.—I don't know anything about it, except the reports I have seen in the papers that certain charges have been made, but as regards any charges, I don't know of a single charge.
Q.-But have you been two years and a half in the Public Works Department without forming some sort of an idea on the subject?
A.-Only as regards my own self, that is all.
Q.-And what is your idea?
A.—I don't think there is anything of the sort in the department.
Q.-Have you never yourself had any of these Contractors make an offer to you or try to find out if money would be acceptable.
A. I have never had such an offer made to me.
Q.-Just let me tell you what has happened. Major MULLOY has told us he has had to refuse valuable presents; Mr. LEIGH has told us private Architects could receiv. presents to almost any amount if they chose, also that he had to refuse a present of $300 soon after he entered the Public Works Department; Mr. ALFORD, who was Inspector of Buildings, used to speak very strongly about the temptations which existed; but it seems to be the case that the Chinese don't offer money except when they think money would be taken. Still you might have seen something which would lead you to know whether they would offer money if it would be taken.
A.---I have never seen anything. I am always very strict with Contractors, but I have never had money offered to me.
Q.-Have you seen anything with others that would lead you to suppose there might be money giving?
A.-In my department there were only myself and Mr. BAINES, two of us. I used to give him his work and used to see it was done. That was before Mr. CRAMP came I never saw any money offered to him or any temptation placed in his way, and I am certain there has never been anything offered to myself.
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Q. Can you give us any idea who it is that has been putting these reports about?
A.-I should very much like to know. I think it is a very scandalous affair to put about such reports as these. It casts a slur on our department.
Q.-And yet I suppose you would admit the Overseers have considerable oppor- tunity for taking money?
A.-Well, I don't know about that, I am sure. They have opportunity, but I don't know whether they do it.