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By Mr. Master. From that letter you have sent in, it appears that the sketches arrived in Hongkong on 29th October, 1898, and contract drawings were laid before the Legislative Council on 23rd November, 1899. Could you tell me on what approximate date the contract drawings were received in Hongkong?
A-Yes, on 10th November, 1899.
Q-Would any of that delay between the arrival of the original sketches and the contract drawings have been avoided supposing a local firm had been entrusted with the preparation of the plans?
A-In any case there would have been the transit to and fro.
Q-It is pretty nearly a year between the date of the receipt in Hongkong of the original sketches and the receipt of the contract drawing. Supposing the plans had been entrusted to a local firm to prepare, would not a year, from the time they were first entrusted to them until they were ready, be considered a pretty long time?
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A-It depends on what the Government considers a long time.
Q-It doesn't matter about that; would it not be a pretty long time?
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A-It appears to be a long time.
Q-Would you say a very long time?
A-No, Sir.
Q-Say for a Post Office in Hongkong; supposing you instruct a local firm to prepare original sketches to-morrow, should you expect the contract drawings to be out before this time next year?
A-Yes, if so ordered.
Q-It doesn't matter when they were ordered for-say as quickly as possible. Would a year
be a reasonable time or unreasonable time?
A-It would be a long time.
By the Chairman.-I see the firm of architects in question has had experience of tropical work?
A-Mr. CHAMBERLAIN distinctly mentions it in his despatch.
By Mr. Shewan.-Have they had experience in China or Japan?
A-I cannot say.
QDid you notice any serious alterations?
A-No. [Drawings, etc., produced.]
By Colonel Brown.-This is the drawing you are to work upon?
A-Yes.
Q--And this is the original sketch?
A--Yes.
By Mr. Thurburn.-I suppose sketches are always liable to be altered?
A-Yes. [The members of the Commission at this stage had an opportunity of examining the original sketches and comparing them with the contract drawings.]
By Mr. Shewan-What is the height of this room? [Legislative Council Chamber.1
A-I should say about 15 feet.
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