CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 101

-4-

99

commenced, and would point out a few facts as to how

the work was started and what I have had to contend

with during execution:

(a)

It will be noted in the file marked "A" that

when the drawings were referred to me I pointed

out to Mr. Chatham, together with many other matt-

that the Lower ground floor or Basement of the

building would be subject to being flooded by tidal

water inasmuch as this floor was at a lower level

ers,

1

than high water mark, and was immediately opposite

the harbour, being only separated from it by a

road 75 feet in width through which the water would

percolate. It was even proposed by the Architects

to construct this floor with lime concrete which

would not resist water. No Architect of repute

would think of using lime concrete in a similar

position in England, yet English lime is far

superior in quality to lime obtainable in Hongkong.

There were also drains and Inspection chambers

designed by the Architects in direct contact with

such a floor.

-

In addition there were also open areas around

the building, the floor of which was even lower than

the basement floor.

The above grave defects were obvious, and the danger of flooding was pointed out to Mr. Chatham in December 1903, yet he went on leave in April 1904 without action being taken and it rested with me to prevent a fiasco, I prevented this, yet had I

strictly adhered to my duties as an Executive Officer,