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Q- -May we ask what that view was ?
A-I think public works should be handed over to private practitioners here. Mr. CHADWICK knew I came out here as a qualified hydraulic engineer. I was sent out here to make all the surveys for Tytam waterworks. I have hal public work promised me by different Governors, and why should we not do it? I do not know. Most of us come out here to spend the greater portion of our lives, and we naturally take as much interest in the Colony as the Governor.
Q-You are evidently strongly of opinion that work should be given to private
firms ?
A-I think so.
Q-How do you think the results would compare as far as cost is concerned?
A-I am certain it would result to the benefit of the Government.
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Q-In what way-by its being carried out more cheaply?
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A-Here we have experience, and our clients have to pay for our experience. Take the Law Courts, for instance, do you mean to say there is no architect in this Colony qualified to carry out the Law Courts ?
QIt is not a question of qualification I want to get ut; but how do you think the cost would compare?
A-I think it would be to the benefit of the Government. Private practitioners could carry it out as cheap as the Government, if not cheaper. Of course, the Govern- ment are the paymasters. You see, that would make a very great difference.
Q-You think it would be as cheap, if not cheaper? But the Government would have to pay in addition a commission. How do you think they could make up for that commission? Would you suggest a reduction of the staff of the Public Works Department, or in what way would you make up for that commission?
A-It depends on what works the Public Works Department have in hand, and whether their staff is sufficient to carry them out.
Q-Supposing the staff was sufficient to carry out such works, I presume then you would recommend that the staff be reduced ?
A-A department like the Public Works Department would have to keep a regu- lar staff that would be able to tackle or take in hand any routine regular works. Supposing you were going in for a new Town Hall. you would have to get special men out for that, or, say, a new water scheme, you would have to get an extra staff out for that. Assuming Government were to lay down tramways, you would have to get a special man out for that. These are works which, I should say, with all respect, might be placed in the hands of private professional firms in the Colony.
Q-And do you think by doing so that the tax-payer would really get cheaper
work?
A-I think so.
Q-So far as engineering is concerned, do you think it would be as efficient?
A-Yes.
Q-You have had experience of both Government and private work. How do you think, as a rule, Government work compares with private work?
A—As regard quality, or price, or both?
Q-Quality.
A-I don't think it is any better thau private work, properly looked after.