8.11. The financial difficulties experienced by some contractors during the year led to the Department becoming involved in legal matters concerning contract payments to nominated third parties. In one civil action a judgement creditor sought and obtained a Garnishee Order against the Director of Public Works for $109,576.75. As a result the Department is now examining its General Conditions of Contract to see if there is justification for introducing less liberal contract payment facilities.
APPRECIATION
9.01. So far as the Public Works Department is concerned the main event of the year was without question the rainstorm of June 12th. Every sub-department was deeply involved and though the brunt had to be borne by the Hong Kong Roads and Drainage Division of the Civil Engineering Office, officers of all grades and seniority throughout the Department rose to the occasion and by their efforts brought great credit to themselves and to the Department.
9.02. In spite of the temporary dislocation caused by the rainstorm and the need to redeploy staff to undertake both emergency and long term repairs, normal work had to go on. Thus a greater load than usual was placed on all officers and as always they responded to the varied and numerous demands made upon them. I wish to take this opportunity to record my thanks for the support given to me during the year and my sincere appreciation of the excellent work done by officers of all grades.
A. M. J. WRIGHT,
Director of Public Works.
30th June, 1967.
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