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1770
( 137 )
By Mr. Thurburn.-You say that in smaller works the Government gets better work. Is that on account of the supervision they have?
A-That is one reason, and I think, for their small work, they employ a better contractor than a private firm. We are at the mercy of many contractors whom we would rather not have, but their prices being the cheaper, we have got to accept them.
By Colonel Brown.-Are you ever let in by a contractor when you
make
advances to him?
A-I cannot recall an instance. I know we have been run very close sometimes.
Q--What would be the position of a Government official if he made an advance
to a contractor?
[No answer.]
Mr. Shewan.-It is not an advance that the man might run away with; the man gives work for it.
A-Sometimes we give close advances, but never without the consent of the prin- cipal. A man in the position of a Government official cannot take such risks. We, with the consent of our owner, do take risks, whereas the Government official never would at least, I do not think he should.
By Mr. Shewan.-Do you think that the Government could employ local architects to advantage?
A-I do.
Q-Is the Colonial Government well advised in employing architects at home ?.
A-No, I think it is very wrong of them.
Q-And do you think they are as well fitted to build a house out here as you are?
A-No.
Q-Do you
A-I do.
think your local knowledge helps you to build a house here better?
Q-Would you be surprised to hear that an architect or civil engineer, in giving bis evidence here, said they were just as well fitted to build a house out here, and that local knowledge was worth nothing?
able?
A-I am surprised to hear that.
Q-Do you
know or understand that the designs of the Law Courts were unsuit-
A-I have never seen them.
Q-I ask you whether you know or understand so?
269
A-I have heard that.
1
Q-It is common report, is it not ?
2
3
A-I have heard so.
Q-Would it surprise you if the plans were unsuitable ?
A-Well, there is
Q-Do you think it is possible that they can plan new Law Courts, never having been out here ?
A-No, I do not.