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By the Chairman.-With regard to that point, is it likely that architects of standing such as Messrs. ASTON WEBB & E. INGRESS BELL would undertake the design- ing of such a building without making themselves acquainted with local conditions?
A--I don't think so.
Q--Do you think that having posted themselves with full information as regards local and climatic conditions, they would be almost in as good a position to design a building as an architect with local knowledge ?
A-Oh yes, I think they would be equally in as good a position.
Q--One might gather from the questions that the architects at home would be entirely ignorant of the conditions in Hongkong. Is it likely that a firm like Messrs. ASTON WEBB & E. INGRESS BELL, having such a reputation at stake, would undertake a work without acquainting themselves with the local requirements?
A--They would not risk it.
Q-Do you know whether full information has been forwarded to these architects?
A-I don't know.
By Mr. Shewan.-But knowledge from books or letters is not counted so good as practical knowledge. Would you not rather have a practical experience of the country?
A-If I had a book, I would go very carefully over it.
Q-It is very difficult to get you to answer my question.
A-As far as I am concerned, practical experience would be undoubtedly better, but one must take the men into question.
Q--Do you know that the plans of the Law Courts were for a building totally unsuited for this climate ?
A-I do not know that.
By Mr. Master.-Have you seen the original plans prepared by this firm?
A-Yes.
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Q-In your opinion, are they satisfactory?
A-I only took the drawings over yesterday.
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Q--I should like that question answered by and by?
A-Yes.
By the Chairman.-Mr. FISHER, we would like you to find out all information about the plans and communicate it to the Commission.
A--Yes, Sir.*
By Mr. Shewan.-In your opinion, it would be advisable to have these buildings open to competition to architects in England as well as in Hongkong?
A--It depends upon the nature of the building.
CQ
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Q--Say, as a rule, any important building?
A-Yes, any important building.
Q-Not merely to give them to one firm in London, but to get as many designs as possible ?
A-Yes.
* See Appendix No. 17.