272
( 140 )
1795
6
7
8
9
1800
1
2
Q-In regard to the Crown Agents for the Colonies, do you think that that is a good system?
A-Yes.
Q-You don't think it would be better for the Government to deal directly with manufacturers and suppliers in England?
A-No.
Q-Do you think there is any other alternative ?
A-I happen to know a good deal about the Crown Agents. I think myself it is an extremely well run Department.
Q-Would you be surprised to hear that the Colony paid a great deal more for iron work than a private firm?
A-Yes.
Q-I should not. I should say you would be much more likely to get a cheaper article by going direct to the maker.
A-Even private firms would have to employ an agent.
Q-I don't see it is necessary. As it is they have a list of tenders, and the others don't get any chance of offering.
A--I do not think it is a bad system, because it means that all the people on their list are good and reliable people.
Q-That may be, but there may be a lot of good people not on that list?
A-No, I do not think so.
-But we know from what was exposed in connection with the War Office that there must be ?
A-I think that the Crown Colonies are better served than the War Office.
Q-Do
you think it is right for the Crown Agents to send material here that was never asked for?
A--I should be surprised to hear they had done so.
Mr. Shewan.-As a matter of fact, they have done so.
The Chairman.-I am not aware of that.
Mr. Shewan.-Well, I will clear that up for you.
The Chairman.- It is not at present before the Commission.
Mr. Shewan.-It will be before the Commission.*
By Mr. Shewan.-That would not happen if the Department ordered its own goods?
A-I always thought it did.
By the Chairman.-Is there anything you wish to add to the evidence al- ready given by you
?
A-No.
Appendix No. 23.