CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 118

116

31st. Deo.

1909. Marked "E".

-21-

The imaginary friction is apparently due

to business letters sent to the Firm in the interests of the Government after great delay and when works were at a standstill pending receipt of drawings.

I would, however, say that friction is al- ways liable to occur when a Firm who are supposed to supply sccurate working drawings and reliable quantit- ies for a large fee (in this case $42,385.21) supply instead inaccurate drawings etc., thereby causing de- lays and necessitating fresh drawings or the amending of old ones to enable the work to be carried on.

I have always assisted the Firm as far as

possible but human nature has its limits even in Hong-

kong; indeed, the Architects had to withdraw, in

writing, to avoid further action on my part, their

baseless insinuations that I was in league with the

Contractors. (Copy of letter attached).

Clause 7.

(a) The Architects were consulted but no-

thing definite oould be obtained as will be noted on

perusal of page 5 of Mr. Jones' letter marked "C".

Clause 8.

(b) This refers to the method of keeping

accounts as instructed by Mr. Chatham. In connection

with this I have to state that when the works were

left in my hands to complete, there were only two

courses then open, viz:- To prepare the necessary

drawings to enable the work to proceed and so prevent

further delay; or to measure up the work and bring