Harlour Wall amongst others) has taught us the folly of relying on Colonial Engineers, however competent. They may be experts in building, draining & other work within their Dept.
I think it should be telegraphed that the card cannot approve any comprehensive re-construction of the Praya wall until Sir J. Gorst has had time to send home the full details of the intimations made.
RM 25/3
My Life
There would, I think, be serious objection to intimating an important work of this nature without further ones that are now available for judging of the sufficiency of what is prepared: apart from the fact, which cannot be indirectly impugned, that for Price & Co., lately the architects, the most signal failing in Bombay was the very thing for which the Colonial Office blamed them - want of experience.
It seems to be the worst unadvisable to allow the Secretary of State to ignore the reference to a consulting Engineer which he has commanded and which appears to be the only safeguard against which the interests of the Colony can be insisted upon.
Sir J. Carde is expected in a few days and considerable delay would be incurred by telegraphing to him. As you propose, it will be finally referred to him that he has first completed further inquiry, which will doubtless be an authoritative opinion.
RM 19/13
I agree.
Mar 30/81. Mant. 2/3
Page 22
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kj kytis
becomesHarlour Wall (amongst others) has taught us the folly of relying on Colonial Engineers, however competent. They may be experts in building, draining & other work within their Dept.
I think it should be telegraphed that the card cannot approve any comprehensive reconstruction of the Praya wall until Sir J. Gorst has had time to send home the full details of the intimations made.
RM25/3
My Life
There would, I think, be serious objection to intimating an important work of this nature without further ones that are now available for judging of the sufficiency of what is prepared: apart from the fact, which cannot be indirectly impugned, that for Price & Co., lately the architects, the most signal failing in Bombay was the very thing for which the Colonial Office blamed them - want of experience, it seems to be the worst unadvisable to allow the Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs to ignore the reference to a consulting Engineer which he has commanded and which appears to be the only safeguard against which the interests of the Colony can be insisted upon.
Sir J. Carde is expected in a few days and considerable delay would be incurred by telegraphing to him. As you propose, it will be finally referred to him that he has first completed further inquiry, which will doubtless be an authoritative opinion.
RM19/13
I agree.
kj kytis Mar 30/81. Mant. 2/3
Page 22
TW40
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