334
SIR,
PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, March 12th, 1895.
In my examination before the Retrenchment Committee I was asked questions on several subjects not bearing on that particular branch of the Public Works Department with which, owing to my special duties, I am most intimately acquainted. I answered these questions to the best of my knowledge at the time, but I. regret to state that on further enquiry I find my answers to be misleading and in some respect incomplete. I have therefore the honour to request to be allowed to withdraw such part as is mentioned below.
I make this request recognizing the importance of correct evidence only being taken into consideration in arriving at a decision in respect of the expenditure of the Department.
The evidence I wish withdrawn is from թ. 159.
<C
'Q.-I see in the Estimates that there is some £300 allowed to Mr. CHADWICK as "Consulting Engineer. What is that for? When do you. consult him? Have you "consulted him this year?"
to p. 161.
"A.-I should say that the tendency is to diminution."
I have the honour to be,
Sir.
Your most obedient Servant,
Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,
Acting Colonial Secretary.
No. 517.
J. ROWLAND CROOK.
COLONIAL SECRETARY OFFICE,
HONGKONG, 18th March, 1895.
SIR,
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th instant transmit- ting a supplementary report of the Retrenchment Committee upon the staff of the Public Works Department and a copy of the evidence given by Mr. COOPER in connection there- with, and with reference to the latter I am to enquire whether the Committee have any remarks to offer as to the reduction of the salary of the Chinese draftsman, when opportunity offers, as suggested by the Director of Public Works.
I am further to request that a copy of the evidence, upon which the concluding paragraph of the report under acknowledgment is based, may be furnished for His Excellency's information.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, Colonial Secretary.
The Secretary,
RETRENCHMENT COMMITTEE.