CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8] — Page 291

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loss of materials by careless workmen, as well as theft; and

also indifference on the part of the Contractor: and then the

release of retention money and security, I confess, I am ag-

reeably surprised to see the accounts work out as well as they

have.

The accounts were in order on the system adopted by the

Hon. D.P.W. until advances were introduced by him,

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M

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I realized in the year 1902 that matters were in a hope-

less muddle (the public were then as now commenting upon the

delay) I was not asked to work late, but being a man of deeds,

not words and for the benefit of the Government I willingly

worked late, night after night long past midnight

in pre-

paring the Bill of quantities in order to start the work for

the superstructure; at that date I had no assistance whatever;

no one to even square dimensions of figures, the work of a

Junior Assistant (I shall refer to this matter in another

minute) I then considered this was only a question of time to

put right, it was remedied for a time -but until last year

matters were drifting back to a great extent to their old lines.

I will gladly work again in time of need, but I must

decline to do anything of the kind in order to carry on matters

on so unprofessional and unbusiness like a basis as are now

presented to you.

With respect to the disbursements made to the Contractor

out of the retention money and security, perhaps the Hon. Direc-

tor of Public Works would prefer to explain, as the advances

were made entirely on his recommendation and I disclaim all

responsibility in the matter but as I have been asked to

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report I have to state as follows:-

The first advance of $10,000 - was made on the 13th

April 1910 this was in reply to the Contractor's letters of the

5th February 1910 and 5th April 1910, copies of which are at-

tached marked "E" and "F" respectively, I also attach copy of

my letter dated 18th April 1910 marked "G",