CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 173

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for the Contractor to interview Mr. Chatham behind my back in order for him to obtain the necessary amounts; Mr. Chat- ham has also repeatedly interviewed the Contractor behind my back, despite protests from me. This irregularity was also pointed out by the Crown Solicitor, yet, despite this,

Mr. Chatham continued to do so, and it is greatly due to such interference and methods that delay and unnecessary expenditure occurred. Had I been allowed to deal with the

Contractor in the ordinary way I could have kept a firm hold over him, but as it was I had little or no authority.

13.

I have at all times willingly worked long after office hours and taken a real interest in the work from

the day that I was connected with it to the date of com- pletion. I have also gladly assisted the Contractor in

every possible way and the poor progress has been a source

of worry and continual annoyance to me.

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I have done my utmost year after year to expedite the work and to carry out same as far as Departmental

methods allowed in accordance with the recognized pro- cedure in England, but I regret to state that my efforts

have not been appreciated by Mr. Chatham, who has thwarted

my plans, and who has also failed to deal with matters or

importance when placed before him, and this has led to the

present unsatisfactory state of affairs.

No one has been more conscientious and loyal to

duty, or worked harder for the benefit of the Government

than myself, and few men would have been so patient as I

have been for so many years.

In my letter of the 20th July, 1811, to the Hon:

Colonial Secretary of Hongkong, I attached a list "marked

C" shewing dates of a few of the letters that were forward-

ed by me to the Contractor, with the nature of such letter

E