121
CODE
14437
Mr Chadwick to Crown Agents.
TRECU
4
PEGA 25 APR QU
W
7 Cartoret Street,
Hong Kong P. W. D.
18th April 1901.
The desirability of the proposed arrangement depends upon the competency or otherwise of the firm of engineers to whom it is proposed to entrust the work.
On this point, I am unable to offer any opinion as I am not acquainted with them. Presumably, the Governor and the Director of Public Works are satisfied on this point.
As regards the question of remuneration I would suggest that it would be better to agree upon a fixed sum, rather than a percentage upon the cost of the works, for the remuneration of the Engineers, so much to be paid on submission and approval of plans, quantities and estimates and a further sum for supervision of execution.
Some definite arrangement should be made, as to the position of the Engineers with regard to the Director of Public Works. This should define their relative responsibilities.
It should be made clear whether, after approving the designs and estimates, the responsibility of the Director of Public Works ceases, the Engineers being solely responsible for the successful execution of the works or whether the Director of Public Works continues his responsibility and must therefore exercise certain supervision, the Engineers acting in a safe subordinate position.
(Sd) Osbert Chadwick,