CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 170

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Chan a Tong even expressed a desire to revise

his prices and to carry out the work at the price of the lowest Tender, or even lower, so anxious did he appear to get the work.

Other Contractors more reliable than Chan a Tong also tendered for the work and it would, in my opinion, have been much better to have entrusted the work to a more

responsible firm.

9

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When I became connected with the work towards the close of the year 1902, the delay was the subject of Public comment, I realized that matters were far from satisfactory and determined to do my best. I was not asked to work late, but being a man of deeds and not words, I willingly went back to office for the benefit of the Government, night after night, (in the Tropics) many times until mid- night and occasionally until the early hours of the morn- ing to prepare the Bill of quantities, etc., so as to

start the work of the Superstructure. Even at that date

I had no assistance whatever.

10.

In the beginning of the year 1806 when obvious

delay had occurred, a weekly return form was initiated

shewing the quantity of stone delivered and the number of

masons employed on site, this form was submitted by me to

Mr. Chatham week by week from that date, so that he might be

kept in touch with the progress of the work as Director of

Public Works.

Monthly reports prepared by me were also forwarded

to him shewing the progress made and conditions of the work

and also stating the number of men engaged in the various

trades.