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who never leaves his bed till 12 o'clock, he is an opium smoker, and it would be a great trouble if we had an inspection at six o'clock in the morning. Besides, I think he has more work than he can attend to.
Q-Have you tried to find out who communicated that letter to the Editor of the Hongkong Telegraph?
A. Yes, I have made inquiries, but I cannot fix upon anybody.
Q. Can you give us any clue to go upon?
A.-Unfortunately not; I wish I could.
Q.-Have you been able to identify anybody as having given rise to this gossip about the Overseers' corruption?
A. I think I have a pretty shrewd suspicion, but when I have no proof absolutely to substantiate my suspicions I should be sorry to give evidence against anybody behind his back. I think Architects here in private practice, without any intention of doing injury to myself or anybody in the service, but out of vaingloriousness and for the purpose of enchancing their own importance, have very freely boasted about their ability to do work cheaper than myself. That is a very pardonable thing, and I think that has given
rise to it.
Q.-But that is a different thing from imputing corruption.
A.-I can trace the rumour that I pay fifty per cent more than any one else. You may remember reading a paragraph in the China Mail to the effect that Government pays fifty per cent more for its work than other people, which gave rise to one of the libels in the Telegraph. I have traced that. The statement was made without malice and I think for the purpose of persuading those who heard the speaker that he could do work cheaper.
Q.-Hon. F. B. JOHNSON.-Would you give his name?
A.-I would rather not.
Q.-The CHAIRMAN.-You see if you did we could ask him.
A.-Unless one has the proof in one's hand it is a serious thing.
The CHAIRMAN.-The proof is simply this, did he say this or not?
The WITNESS mentions in confidence the name of an individual.
Q.--The CHAIRMAN.-Well that is with reference to the fifty per cent. Now with reference to these statements that Overseers do get something out of the Contractors : it is said, and it is difficult to trace it. Could you help us?
A.-I am sorry I cannot give you any clue. My great hope was that Mr. FRASER- SMITH would have been able to give some authority for his statements.