286
1979
1980
1
2
3
( 154 )
Q-Supposing you made it out to be more than the engineer, what would you do? A-Supposing my figure was more than the architect's, he would say: "Your figures are not correct.
"
Q-But what would the bill be made out for?
A-We have to work together. He has got his measurements and I have got mine and, if we don't agree, we measure again.
Q-And, if they don't agree, what is the bill made out for?
A-I don't often make a mistake. Sometimes there is a mistake in calculation or totting up the figures, and when that occurs I have to go over it again.
Q-Generally you take the figures that the engineer gives?
A-I have to take them.
Q-When you have measured and the other man has remeasured and j'our measure- ments do not agree, one of you must give way. You can't make your bill out to both measurements ?
A-We discuss the matter and see who is right.
Q-Suppose when the bill is brought into the Public Works Department the clerk there wants to cut it, what do you do ?
A-The clerk has no power to do that.
5
Q-But the clerk may say the Bill is incorrect ?
A-If he says my bill is incorrect, then I go to see the engineer about it.
6
Q-But you have never had your bill questioned or cut by any clerk?
7
8
1990
1
A-No, never.
Q-Have you always been quite correct when you brought your bill to the Public Works Office?
A-I make my bill up and find it correct and then I present it.
Q-And has it always been found correct?
A-Yes.
Q-You have never had to go to the head of the Public Works Department?
A-No.
Q-Where do you get it paid and how is it paid?
A-At the end of each month-on the 28th of each month-I go down to the Treasury and get it paid there.
Q-You get an order from whom?
A-The clerk there asks me to sign the bill, and then after signing it, a Chinese clerk gives me a cheque.
2
3
Q-At the Treasury?
A-No. in the Public Works Department. In receiving payment, I go to the Chinese clerk in the Treasury and then he informs the Portuguese clerk about it. He then looks over my bill and asks me to sign it, and, after signing it, the Chinese clerk gives me a cheque.
Q-Do any of the Chinese or other clerks in the Treasury ever ask you for a com- mission on your bill?
A-None of them. I get a cheque. I receive no cash. If I was asked to pay a commission, I have no money to pay him.