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Contract, for I consider, if I retain a certain per-centages upon the work executed, I shall always have the power in my hands to deal with him accordingly; and besides, it is difficult, and has hitherto been found impossible, to procure solvent and eligible contractors; for almost all Contracts hitherto entered into with Chinamen have been obliged to be finished by Government, for the Works were taken at too low an Estimate; and the consequence was, when the parties found they would become losers, both Contractor and Sureties were heavily involved and in some instances they were imprisoned; but still the Public Service suffered.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) [illegible],
Acting Surveyor General.
(True copy)
Frederick W. Bruce