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By the Chairman.-Can you get us that report?
A-I don't know what has become of it now.
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By Colonel BROWN.-You and your assistant did your best?
A-We did. I implored Mr. ORMSBY for more assistance.
By Mr. SHEWAN.-Have you any system of checking buildings in course of erection? People give notice of what they intend to build, and do you see that the Inspector, or yourself, inspects the buildings?
A—It was impossible to check every detail and there are many works never inspected at all.
Q-You have improved the system there?
A-No; there is no improvement yet.
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Q-Are you not passing an Ordinance?
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A-Oh yes, we are preparing an Ordinance.
Q-And
-And do you think it will give you a better system?
A-Yes, I think so.
Q-Will you not then keep a list of all the houses in progress, and, when the houses are finished, won't you report to the Government?
A--Even now they have to get a certificate.
Q-You are giving certificates that the houses are built according to the Building Ordinance and you do not know whether they were built according to the plans?
A-Before a certificate of fitness for human habitation is granted, the building is always inspected, but when a building is completed, there are many things one cannot see as they are built in, such as flues.
Q-Could they not have been examined before the final inspection? Now, when the new Building Ordinance comes into effect it will do something towards enforcing the law as it at present exists. The worst feature is that Chinese have been increasing the heights of their houses and putting more weight on the old walls.
A-We can stop that now.
Q-Would it not be better that you give a certificate that the house is altered according to law?
A--If a man says he wants to open a door, he has to give a notice according to the Ordinance.
Q-As long as there is no structural alteration, of course you could pass it?
A-We could pass it as long as there was no fear of a collapse. Under the Building Ordinance, we have power to prevent a man adding to a building unless we consider it perfectly safe. We have power to stop him doing anything which would render a build- ing dangerous.
By the Chairman.The next part of your duties is the clearing of stream courses. This work, I understand, is looked after by Sapper WILLIAMS, who has been lent for the purpose by the Military Authorities. That work is being carried out at present?
A-Yes.
Q-And, in connnection with that work, nullahs are to be drained?
A-Yes.