208
972
3
5
6
7
980
(76)
Q-Your duties are clearly laid down in the regulations ?
A-Yes. There was a case where I saw them putting new stones on the top of old footings. I reported to Mr. TOOKER and he wrote to Mr. LEIGH and an appoint- ment was made. When I got down there he said:
"Well, you see,
where are the stones?" The contractor had taken them away and Mr. LEIGH said: "Now, I will report the matter to His Excellency."
Q-You think Inspectors of Buildings should be protected in some way or other?
A-Yes. He should have a witness to say what the Inspector saw when he ar- rived on the job.
J. ROSS, Sworn:—
By the Chairman.-What is your position in the Public Works Departinent ?
A-I am Overseer of Waterworks.
Q-How long have you been in the Public Works Department ?
A-I have been in Hongkong since September, 1893-Kowloon and Hongkong.
Q-Your service has always been connected with the waterworks ?
A-Yes.
Q-Before you joined what was your profession?
A--I was a blacksmith by trade.
Q-And did you have any experience of waterworks before that?
A-I served my time in a country shop in the North of Scotland and did a great deal of gas fitting and waterworks work as well.
Q-So you had some practical experience before coming to Hongkong ?
A-Yes.
Q--You are senior Overseer ?
A-Yes.
1
Q--And do you look after the pumping engines?
A-Yes.
2
Q--There has been a good deal of difficulty with them, has there not ?
4
5
A-Twelve months ago, I had a little trouble at West Point.
Q--What was the difficulty?
A-The difficulty was that the piston rings were worn out and it was surprising the cylinder stood so well, as the engine had not been properly looked after.
Q-Had it been neglected?
A--It had been neglected.
Q-When was that?
A-The latter end of last year.
Q--Who was responsible?
A--Mr. MOLLISON and Mr. CROOK.