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By the Chairman. Of course, you intend to make yourself acquainted with the New Territory?
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A-Yes. I intend to look round and see what suggestions should be made. Cer- tainly a reservoir ought to be made.
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Q-Would it be possible to condense water for drinking and domestic purposes?
A-The cost of coal would be prohibitive. The best condensing apparatus is said to give 40 tons of water per ton of coal consumed. That is to say, a ton of coal, costing a pound, would provide about nine thousand gallons. I must, however, say that I have never yet seen a condensing apparatus that yielded anything like 40 tons of water per ton of coal.
By the Chairman.-There is another point on which the Commission would. like to have the benefit of your opinion, and that is whether you think it is advisable that Government work should be given out to private firms?
A-Well, I have thought about that. I must say I don't think it is advisable for various reasons.
One reason is that the Government must have a scientific adviser. It is very discouraging to a Director of Public Works or an Engineer to have all the interesting work taken out of his hands, and to be left with nothing but the mainten- ance of roads and white-washing. And again, in the present instance, the work has been given to Messrs. DENISON, RAM & GIBBS mainly because Mr. GIBBS was an old and trusted public servant. In general, there would be great difficulty in selecting the firm to whom any given work was to be allotted.
vants.
By Mr. Shewan.-The bulk of the architects here are old Government ser-
A--The Government does not pay, and does not give sufficient prospects.
By the Chairman.-In this case, Mr. GIBBS was connected with the scheme at its initiation. The Government could not carry it out as the staff of the Public Works Department was insufficient.
A-But I think the arrangement seems to me very objectionable because the Di- rector of Public Works is still held responsible.
Q-Then, as to the question of efficiency and cheapness, do you think that the giving out of work to a private firm would tend to get as good and as cheap work for the Government?
A-I don't think it would give you either as good or as cheap work. It might in some instances, such as buildings, but certainly work like this at Kowloon, which will have to be done in the very best style, I don't think the giving of it to a private firm will secure any better work. In addition to the honorarium the Government has to pay to the firm, they have to find the necessary inspection, so that that makes it somewhat more dear. And, I must say, that this class of work, in my opinion, ought not to be done by contract. I would not do it by contract if I could help it. I consider the work is far too delicate. It requires too great attention and if you are going to get it done properly you must have almost night and day inspection.
By Mr. Shewan.-Are these works at Home done under contract?
A-Many works are not now. The new Birmingham Reservoirs are now being carried out departmentally and not by contract. Mr. MANSERGH, the Engineer, would not undertake the responsibility of carrying them out by contract.
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