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185 (199)
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A. That is possible, and that at the price they can turn it out, it would not compete with shell lime, unless it were made compulsory, and there would be a difficulty in making it compulsory because unless you see a supply, there is no use creating a demand. I would be better able to give you correct answers if you give me some idea of what you want to know. The question of mortar is one that should be another thing altogether, although they are rather closely connected,—the question of concrete and the use of red earth and lime generally.
Mr. Shelton Hooper.-I would like to say this, that if you come before us and upon examination with regard to certain technical matters in connection with the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, if there is anything we have not asked you, and you want to make a statement about it for the improvement and better administration of the Ordinance, even if it relates to mortar or anything else, any papers you send in will be considered by the Commission.
A.-At present we are carrying on an exhaustive series of experiments with regard to lime mortar, and we are doing that under the instructions of one of the local barristers, and I believe it is in connection with some case that may be before one of the Courts, so that I dont feel at liberty to say anything without consulting him. At present, I have only seen the barrister, there is no solicitor in charge of the case.
The Chairman.-Have you completed these experiments?
A.-No, and they won't be completed before a fortnight or three weeks. In the mean- time, I will ask him if there is any objection to my evidence going in to the Commission.
Q-Our report will probably be another two or threee months before it is laid before the Governor, and nothing is made public until it is written and sent in to His Excellency.
A. This case is sub judice. I dont know when it will come on, or whether it will come on, it all depends.
Q.-I should be very glad to have it.
A. We could not give you any of that information, unless we get summoned, but I could give you a general lecture on lime mortar that would last an hour.
Mr. Shelton Hooper.-But put it this way. Your clients may wish it, and if they wish it taken up by the Commission, we shall be very glad to have any statement from them.
A. I will communicate with them. It is all to do with the question of testing, and our experiments are all tending in one particular direction.
Mr. Humphreys.-Do you happen to know the Government tested the different samples of mortar, on which they fined the Chinese $250?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you consider those tests fair ones?
put
in.
A.-No, I dont. I consider them very unsatisfactory in my old answers that I
The Chairman.-You might ask your friends if they care to have such evidence put before the Commission, before our report is closed. We shall be very glad to hear from them.