conclusions.
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8.
Mr. Barry observed to me that the retention or dismissal of Mr. Eves was a matter solely for my decision, and not for the advice of the Consulting Engineers, but I gathered that he thought that in the present circumstances it would be to the advantage of the Government and in the interests of economy to retain him.
He considered that there was no one else now on the Works who could take his place, and that if dismissed it would be necessary to get another man from England, India, or elsewhere. He said that the engineering part of the Railway was now in fact completed, and all that remains is straightforward work with two exceptions:
(a) the rehabilitation of the Bridges, which will be undertaken on the entire responsibility of the Consulting Engineers and for which, as I understood, they would be willing to retain Mr. Eves;
(b) the supervision of the Contract of Messrs. Leigh and Orange.
With regard to the latter, the retention of Mr. Eves is likely to perpetuate the friction which has constantly existed between himself and the Contractors, and for which