If it is done now, then
at a later period, and
as Sir R. Rawson
recommends this course, I think it better that
the work be
proceeded with at once.
3.
I also
affirm the
satisfaction with regard to the
use of Japanese coal for
Funnelling
and Working the Machinery.
3.
With regard
to the question
of the supply of Portland
Cement, the delay appears
to have been caused by
the Surveyor General not having allowed, when forwarding his indent,
for
the early commencement of the working season?
48
and also by the unsatisfactory
manner in which the contract
has been executed by the firm for whose Cement the Surveyor General expressed
a preference. The Crown
Agents have had to make
good the shortfalls as
far as possible by diverting
Cement from other contracts;
it is, however, necessary that the Surveyor General
in preparing his indents
should bear in mind that
even with the best makers
failures
and mistakes are possible
and the Cement intended
for...