364
Contractor who secured the Contract is notoriously a dilatory man, the reason for accepting his tender being that all the other tenders were far in excess of the estimated cost. The rainfall for the 1902 season was:-
June 28.73 inches July 15.44 August 18.28 28.50so that circumstances were adverse and much sickness prevailed. The number of men at work in September, which was a very dry month, was 400.
I have only referred to these two works as most of our large works are in or about the City of Victoria, where sickness is not so prevalent as a rule as in the outlying districts.
(b). Poor Quality of Labour. There are doubtless better and more rapid workers than the local Chinese, but, taking into consideration the climatic condition under which they work during a considerable portion of the year, it is doubtful whether any imported labour would do better. The fact remains that works of great magnitude and of excellent quality have been carried out by local labour in the best manner.
(c). Exorbitant prices charged by Local Contractors. This is an indefinite statement. About 3 or 4 years ago, when there was a super-abundance of work going on in the Colony, it was difficult to obtain reasonable tenders, but that period is past and Contractors are glad to have an opportunity of tendering for work now. Prices are again at a reasonable level and no difficulty has recently been experienced in letting contracts for works under the charge of the Public Works Department to reliable Contractors.
So far as I am in a position to judge, the C.B.E. does not appear to have taken proper steps to obtain tenders from good local Contractors. They are accustomed to be provided with proper plans, specifications and quantities on which to base their tenders and they are also accustomed to undertake extensive works such as might be included in the construction of several miles of the new
364
Contractor who secured the Contract is notoriously a dilatory man, the
reason for accepting his tender being that all the other tenders were
far in excess of the estimated cost. The rainfall for the 1902 season
was:-
#ey
Jane
28.73 inches
15.44
B
July
18.28
行
August 28.50
so that circumstrices were adverse and much sickness orevailed. The
number of men at work in September, which was a very dry month, was
400.
I have only referred to these two works as most of our
Large works are in or about the City of Victoria, where sickness is
not so orevalsat as a rule as in the outlying districts.
(b). Poor Quality_of_Lebour. There are doubtless better and more
rapid workers then the local Chinese, but, taking into consideration
the climatic condition under which they work during a considerable
portion of the year, it is doubtful whether any imported labour would
do better. The fact remains that works of great magnitude end of
excellent ouality have been carried out by local labour is the best.
(c), Exorbitant orices charged by Local Contractors. This is en
indefinite strtement. About 3 or 4 years ago, when there was a super-
abundance of work going on in the Colony, it was difficult to obtain
reasonable Leaders, but that periɔo is oest end Contractors are glad
to beve en opportunity of tendering for work now. Prices are again
at a reasonable level end no difficulty has recently been experienced
in letting contracts for works under the charge of the Public Works
Department to reliable Contractors.
So far as I am in a position to judge, the C.B.E. does
not appear to have taken orooer steos to obtain tenders from good
local Contractors. They are accustomed to be provided with orooer
plans, specifications and onentities on which to base their tenders
and they are also accustomed to undertake extensive works such as
might be included in the construction of several miles of the new
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