I am Fiddes.
I understand that all the preliminaries for the work are complete, i.e. the full surveys, plans, sections & type drawings, specification and bills of quantities have been prepared and that consequently the estimates are framed upon a reliable basis.
And that we are not, in this case, making the mistake, which has so often involved us in difficulty, of adopting the departmental system merely because the time is being devoted to the preparation of preliminaries, whatever the system of carrying out the work.
This is a very costly line (say £20,000 a year) and both politically and economically is essentially speculative. We are not justified in running additional risks merely because we are commencing.
Major Cameron, May we take it that Sir Mommer's understanding is correct?
Mr. Fiddes: No. Sir Mommer's understanding the position is not in accordance with the parts of the letter. We were instructed to proceed with the berthing alterations at once and it was only by C.O.'s authority to proceed with the work without sanction. You have to C.O. and it was only by C.O.'s authority by referring the proposals of the bill to him that we got approval.
It will be seen or when Janney, which was rushed through at the same time is to be resulting by wind...
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