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By Mr. Shewan.-What were you before?
A-I was a joiner and served seven years' apprenticeship at my trade.
Q-When you were a joiner, what hours did you have?
A-Ten hours a day,
Q--So that compared with out here you were much harder worked at home? A-There I had manual labour.
Here it is different.
Q-And what wages did you get as a joiner?
A--Sixpence half-penny an hour,
Q-What did that come to in a week?
A-I worked 56 hours.
Q--It comes to 29/-, that is $15 a week. So that you are getting more than double here?
A-Well, I have experience now. I am speaking now of thirteen years ago and wages can't be compared at home to-day with the wages of thirteen years ago. I worked in some of the best firms in the south of England.
Q-Do
you think you are overworked ?
A-Just now I am.
Q-
-As a rule?
A-I can't say I have been over worked as a rule. I do my day's work and I am satisfied.
Q--You say you generally go without your tiffin?
A-Occasionally.
By the Chairman.--Is there anything more that would be of use to the Com- mission, or have you any suggestion to make?
A-1 am not prepared to answer that question. I know nothing of the internal work of the business. I am acting entirely under Mr. MUGFORD,
Q-Have you any suggestion to make that would be of use to the Commission? A-I cannot think of anything just now.
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E. J. FRANKLIN, sworn:—
By the Chairman.--What is your position in the Public Works Department? A-Overseer of Roads in the City of Hongkong.
Q-And how long have you been in the Public Works Department?
A-Since last September.
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Q-And what was your profession before that?
A-Road-maker, railroad-maker, and general work of that kind.
Q--Where was your experience gained?
A--I have been at that work for ten years. My father was in the business before me, and I have worked in Honolulu, Denver, Colorado,
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