185 (216)
22889
2:41 2
A. Yes, I think one Executive Engineer to do that work of both Departments, would be preferable. As a matter of fact, various small jobs we do at the Kowloon wharves are very often finished before we got permission to do them. I get the contract, and the plans. out, but cannot always wait for the permission. If I did, I might wait indefinitely.
The Chairman.-Your experience is that you dont get the plans passed, so promptly as they might be ?
A.-No.
Q.-How long do you have to wait on an average for small work, small repairs?
A. We rarely get permission ur der a fortnight.
124.9.-EDWARD ALBERT RAM, sworn :--
The Chairman.-You are an Architect ?
A. Yes, I am.
Q. And are you a Civil Engineer, also?
A.-No.
QAnd you are a partner in the firm of Denison, Ram and Gibbs, are you not?
A. Yes.
Q-And how many years have you been in practice in your profession in Hongkong, Mr. Ram ?
A.--16 or 17 years, since 1889.
Q.-Then you know as much about the Building Ordinance, as anybody?
—
Mr. Shelton Hooper. And previous to that, you were in practice in England, I think?
A.-Well I was in practice for a short time in London.
Q. And who were the Architects you were with?
A. I was with Mr. George Somers Clerk.
Q. And what are your qualifications?
A.—Well, I am a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Q.-Now, can you give us any suggestions for the better administration of this present Ordinance, or have you any suggestions to make, with a view to the Ordinance being amended to make building easier in this Colony, with the, same safety?
A.--Well, I think the great fault of the present Ordinance is that it is not elastic enough. It seems to me to have been drawn up really for application to the typical Chinese house, whereas of course, it has to be applied to every building in the Colony.
The Chairman. You think the regulations are too severe to be applied to all classes of
houses?
A. Yes.