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his failure short of dismissal. Looking also to the fact that Eves has already failed to carry out precise instructions from the Consulting Engineers and has interpolated his own judgment in giving effect to them by omitting to make the borings near the Piers as he was told to do, I am of opinion that it would be advisable that the head of the Public Works Department should from time to time visit the Bridges &c., regarding which the Chief Resident Engineer may receive precise instructions from the Consulting Engineers, and report to me whether or not those instructions are being accurately and properly carried out. Until Your Lordship and this Government have received the report of the Consulting Engineers it would be premature to discuss any issues which may arise out of that report, and my only reason for addressing Your Lordship at the present time is because the pressing question of the retention or dismissal of the Chief Resident Engineer will immediately arise on the receipt of the report. In order therefore to avoid delay it appears desirable that I should place my views before you so that an immediate decision may be arrived at upon this matter. The course I have suggested would appear to be in the interests of the Consulting Engineers who will naturally desire to be assured