CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 174

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stated; by reference to this list it will also be found that delay, want of labour and materials for the work were continually pointed out.

I have pointed out under clause 10 page 4 that

a weekly list was forwarded by me and, that the condition of the work was also reported by me, month by month, to the Director of Public Works.

I have also pointed out vide clause 11, page 5, where Mr. Jones threatened to determine the contract with Mr. Chan a Tong.

I have further pointed out in the same clause where active steps were in progress as late as the year 1909 to take work out of Chan a Tong's hands, and that such steps were over-ruled by Mr. Chatham.

Mr. Chatham failed to look after contracts in Government interests, or as Director of Public Works to enforce the conditions of same, and he allowed the Contract- or to dawdle year after year. I was unable to move in the matter, and the difficulties and unnecessary labour which arose were due to the manner in which Mr. Chatham carried out his duties.

It is an undisguised fact that, the Government were also the Contractors for the major portion of the work, due to the negligence and absence of the Contractor, Chan a Tong, such neglect naturally caused a great deal of extra work for me.

14.

On the 20th July, 1811, I deemed it my duty to place before the Government of Hongkong, certain matters relating to the delay and expenditure which had occurred

up to that date.