200
( 68 )
860
1
3
Q-Do the telephones often get out of order?
A-Frequently.
Q-A man is always going from one place to another and seeing things put right daily?
A-Yes, that is what I am doing now, but I have no assistance, and it is most difficult to get Chinese to assist me.
Q--As a matter of fact, the telephones have to be looked to, and the roads outside the City are left to themselves ?
A-Practically speaking, that is so.
By the Chairman.- Have you any suggestions to make that would be of use to the Commission ?
A-Yes. With reference to the telegraph store, there should be some system whereby the man in charge should be held directly responsible for any little discrepan- cies that may arise.
Q--You mean to say that one man should be made responsible ?
4
A-The electrician in charge should be responsible.
5
Q-Who is responsible at present?
A-I suppose I am partly, and Mr. TOOKER partly.
6
Q-Who issues the stores?
A-I send in a requisition to Mr. TOOKER, and he makes a copy of it, and I take it to Wanchai and draw the stores, and then, while I go away, the store is locked up, but the Chinese have access to it, and I don't see anything to stop them taking what they want.
Q--Who is in charge of the stores?
A-There are two stores--one here and one at Wanchai.
Q-Is there any person left to take care of the store when you lock it up?
A-There is no one there.
9
By Mr. Master.-It is locked up?
870
J
A-Yes, it is locked up, and I leave the key in Mr. TOOKER's office, but when the Chinese come back they have access to it, and there is no inventory of the goods.
Q-What do you keep there?
A-Electrical appliances.
Q-And is there no stock-taking?
A-I am taking one myself, for my own use, in case I am called upon for anything.
2
Q-But there has been no stock handed over to you?
A-No.
3
Q-And you consider the present arrangement most unsatisfactory?
A-Yes.
4
Q-And your suggestion is that one overseer, the man in charge of the telephones and telegraphs, should be made responsible for the store?
A-Yes.