4/2853/30
b.
70
further exploratory work about the middle of October. The
Consulting Engineers would not propose to make any additional
charge for this visit beyond the travelling expenses incurred
between Singapore and Hong Kong, and hotel and out-of-pocket
expenses in Hong Kong. In view of the magnitude of the
proposed dam, and the importance of the foundations being
suitable, we are strongly of the opinion that Mr. Binnie
should be asked to visit the site and satisfy himself that
the foundations are in all respects suitable for a dam of
the height proposed.
9.
With our letter of the 18th September, we
enclosed a copy of a letter dated 17th September which we had received from Sir Alex. Binnie Son and Deacon outlining the
fees they would propose to charge for acting as Consulting
Engineers on two alternative assumptions, depending upon the
measure of responsibility they will be called upon to accept and the amount of detailed work they will be expected to
carry out. We suggested that a decision on this point could
be deferred until Mr. Gourley had discussed the matter with
the Colonial Government. We do not know to what extent the
Colonial Government wish to rely upon the advice of the
Consulting Engineers in the future, but we think that in any
case the Consulting Engineers should be entrusted with the
design of the dam and should be called upon to accept full
responsibility for its stability.
10. The Consulting Engineers draw attention in
paragraph 19 of their report to the necessity of modernising the existing distribution system, and in paragraph 20 to the desirability of revising the existing ordinance which governs the waterworks undertaking.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Dr. Brosheet.
FOR CROWN AGENTS.
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