39.
325
He said..
My firm (William Pustan 762) have carried on business at this place ever since 1844. I am a Marine Lot Holder. My Lot is No.13. I was present at both the meetings of Marine Lot Holders convened to take into consideration the Government Notification of the 10th November, on the subject of the Praya, and at which the proposals contained in the Notification were rejected; but I took no part either way in their proceedings; I refused to vote.
In answering the first question contained in the Schedule, I would say that if the Marine Lot Holders were called upon, not only to do the work, but to pay for it, we would be in a position to get it done much cheaper than Government. I say this because we have been in the habit of employing work-men for many years, and they would be inclined, on that account, to do it cheaper. We have also other accidental advantages, - for instance, stone ballast at our disposal to throw down. My answer always assumes that the ground from which the Government would draw their materials for filling in would be available to us for the same purpose. I presume that the Government would give us the same advantage in obtaining granite too, as their contractor would have. It is only on these assumptions that I think that we could do it cheaper. If, on the other hand, the whole community are to pay for the work, I think that it would be more suitable for Government.