111
9:27
A:27
0:28
A:28
conducting the sales.
when I spoke to Hill about
it he said that the A. & B. Co., Ltd. got better
prices so I countenanced the continuance of their
employment as auctioneers.
Did you make any, and, if so, what inquires
as to the Company's financial stability?
I made no inquiries. Hill told me that
they were financially stable. He said that Wong
Fung Sek, their compradore, was a wealthy man and
a large landowner. I asked Hill about the Company
because I disliked Hodge. I'd had a lot of trouble
with Hodge and at one time threatened him with
imprisonment but luckily at that time I was dismissed
from the post of Official Receiver. I was often
overruled.
No. 1 can always do so. I do not refer
to the A. & B. Co., Ltd.
Did you seek or receive any instruction or suggestion or recommendation from any officer now or formerly in the employ of the Government as to the
employment or continued employment of the A. & B.
Co., Ltd.?
The Company was first employed by Hill without authority. On his explanation and on seeing the prices realized were good I concurred. Up till 12.11.25 their employment rested with me and I did
not ask for or receive any instructions with regard to their employment. I told the Registrar that Hodge was carrying on and that Hill had told me he was getting better prices than other auctioneers. The Registrar gave me no instructions as to contin- uing the employment. I should say that the Solicitors concerned can choose their own auctioneer.
I don't think I ever suggested discontinuing
the employment.
19.