282
(150)
1922
5
7
8
Q-But do you not think it is very necessary to measure the work?
A--Yes, that is so, quite necessary. But then, supposing the overseer who attends to the measuring of the work has no time to wait on me, I have to wait another week.
Q-That is the delay then?
A-Yes, that is the delay.
Q-And the quality of the work done for private individuals, is it the same?
A-It is the same, but, if the owner says "I trust you," and so on, he pays me without measuring the work.
Q-And Government does not trust you ?
A-The Government will not. Of course, they have to carry out the measurements. By Colonel Brown.-Do you keep your best masons and brick-layers and so on for Government work?
A-Yes, all first-class workmen.
Q-And relegate the inferior workmen to private work?
A-Yes, inferior workmen and much cheaper.
By Mr. Shewan. Did you ever give any bribes to any Public Works Of ficials?
A-No.
9
Q-Did
you ever give commissions to any of them?
A-No.
1930'
1
3
4
5
Mr. Shewan (to the Interpreter):-Would you remind him that he is on his oath, please?
Witness.
Yes.
Q-In all the work you have done in Hongkong for the Government, you have never given any cumshas to overseers of the waterworks or buildings of any kind?
A-Not to one single individual.
Q-You never sent any cumshas at China New Year?
A-Well, I have made presents in this way. At Christmas time I have sent some fruit-oranges, etc.-but nothing else.
Do you know of any
Q-Nothing underneath the oranges as per usual custom ? contractor ever giving cumshas or presents to Government officials?
A I do not know.
Q-Did you ever tell your man to pur less material into his work because you bad cumshawed the overseer looking after the job?
A-No.
seers?
Q-It is not the custom for contractors to give presents to Government over-
A-No.