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Q-Because that is what the Commission are determined, so far as lies in their power, should be done. They realise most clearly that to have an efficient head he must have time and opportunity to see everything that is going on and the evidence shows very clearly that you have not been able to do this. Are you of opinion that you can arrange with an efficient Assistant to impose on him duties which you have how to perform, and, by your being relieved of these duties, that you will be able to exercise efficient supervision over your Department and the works being carried out by
it ?
A-Yes.
Q-An instance was mentioned the other day, of how people believe matters are delayed in your Department. I understand an application was made for a mat-shed erection by a gentleman in this Colony and he could not get the necessary permit because the Director of Public Works had no time to sign it. Was that possible?
A That is incorrect. A permit was applied for,.but before the permit could be issued the application required to receive the sanction of the Governor in Council under the existing Ordinance. I sent it forward immediately marked "early" and His Ex- cellency sanctioned it and afterwards brought it before Executive Council in the ordinary course, that is the fault of the Ordinance.
Q-Do you not think that it is unnecessary red-tape that this permit should have to be given by the Governor in Council?
A--In the new Building Ordinance that has been amended by leaving it to the Director of Public Works.
Q-I think that is a very desirable amendment.
A-Yes.
By Mr. Shewan.-Not personally left to the Director of Public Works. Could not one of your assistants sign the chit?
A-In a case like that, the Assistant Director of Public Works would deal with it. It would not come to me at all.
By Mr. Thurburn.-Do you remember, regarding the Building Ordinance and supervision of buildings we, the Public Works Committee, made a report, which was agreed to by the Legislative Council, that no building was allowed to be built without employing an Architect and that the Architect was to be responsible for the houses being properly built? Well, I have gone over the new Ordinance, which is now before the Council, and I do not see that that is provided for ?
A-I think you will find that every new building or every altered building requires to be certified by an authorised Architect before it can be occupied.
Q--That has reference to the plans?
A-No, the building itself must be certified by one of them as being in accord- ance with the Ordinance before a certificate of occupation can be issued by the Public Works Department.
Q-I must be mistaken. I have. perhaps, misread the Ordinance.
A-The owner must obtain a certificate from the Architect to the effect that his building has been erected in accordance with the Ordinance in force.
Q-I understood owners had to submit plans from an Architect in accordance with the Ordinance ?
A--That is another provision and that makes it pretty secure that owners must during the interim stages, employ an Architect.