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Mr. Hallifax advocates as a remedy the establishment of an Employers Federation; but while we agree that the formation of such a federation may be desirable, we think that an arbitration tribunal as recommended by us, should be established, and that a Judge of the Supreme Court should be given power to enforce the decisions of the tribunal.
boys in carpentry, &c.
* 83. It would seem desirable to establish a trade school to teach boys Training carpentry, masonry, and other branches of the building trade. The indus- trial school which, we understand, Sir Robert Ho Tung and several Chinese gentlemen are contemplating should prove an ideal institution for the purpose.
*84. In letters (10) and (24) in Enclosure 1, it is suggested that the Government should grant permission to contractors to obtain stone, sand and earth from places as near as possible to the building works. We commend this suggestion to the consideration of the Government.
* 85. We recommend that local architects furnish their contractors with sufficiently detailed drawings of the work to be done, at as early a stage of the building work as possible, by which much time will be saved, and structural alterations will be obviated. In this connection we would call attention to letters (9) and (40) in Enclosure 1, and to the evidence of Mr. L. G. Bird and Mr. Lam Woo in Enclosures 8 (6) and 8 (2) respectively.
* 86. Architects could also help contractors by advising them as to what amount of materials is required, and when they should be ordered and delivered (see letter (9) in Enclosure 1).
Fermission to obtain stone, sand and
earth.
Detailed drawings to be furnished to contractors early.
Advice to contractors.
payment of. contractors.
* 87. It is also our opinion that, if contractors are paid more promptly, Prompt the cost of building contracts will appreciably be reduced, (see letter (9) para. 10, in Enclosure 1). A fair allowance should also be made to contractors for materials on the ground.-(Ibid. See, too, letter (30) ).
required of
contractors.
* 88. In letter (9) in Enclosure 1, it is stated that unnecessarily heavy Securities security is required from contractors by persons building houses, with the result that contractors have to provide for this item in preparing their tenders. Mr. Lam Woo also complained that securities are required from contractors when permits are issued to them for erecting scaffoldings, mat- sheds, etc.; and as this would tie up a great deal of money, which a small contractor can ill afford to have so employed, the cost of building is indirectly increased by reason of the fact that such contractors have to protect themselves by making their tenders higher. Mr. White informed us in his evidence that the system of security was introduced in order to exercise a better control over the contractors; but, in view of the existing high cost of building, we advise that, instead of requiring the con- tractors to put up securities in such cases, a prosecution should be instituted against any contractor who commits an offence.
89. In letters (10), (24), (30), (35) and (40) in Enclosure 1, the greater Labour-saving employment of labour-saving machines or devices is advocated as being the appliances. means of minimising the cost of buildings. The appliances, etc., mentioned in these letters are---
Pneumatic Rock-Drills.
Mechanical Stone-Crushers.
Rock-Cutting Machines.
Concrete Mixers.
Electrically-driven Portable Wood-Workers.
Floor-Planing and Sanding Machines.
Steam Pile-Drivers.
There is no doubt that a wider use of such appliances will have the desired result in the case of big undertakings, and that the use of the first three in quarries would save much time and labour. In letter (30) it is stated that gravel-crushers effect a saving of at least 30%.