CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 177

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The account were not kept in such a manner as is usual in England, but I am not in any way responsible for this.

I started the accounts in the usual and recognized way and continued so until I was over-ruled by Mr. Chatham who ordered the accounts to be left until the completion of the work, and in pursuance of such instructions from him no system of accounts was in use after the 30th January, 1909 for a period of three and a hair (34) years from that date:

The result of such a want of system has been fully explained in my letter, dated 20th July, 1811, to the Hon: Colonial Secretary of Hongkong; and also by the Report of the Commission referred to under clause 23, pages 22-25 in this letter.

Mr. Chatham's method is a most unusual one, and is a distinct deviation from the accepted practice, in fact it is unknown outside of Hongkong, and ite demerits are obvious.

The importadt work under review and also the New Post Office Building were treated by a Director of Public Works in the same way as a small building, where it might be possible (though not advisable) to leave matters until the end of the work.

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In works of magnitude works extending over many years, it is always usual to adjust accounts as the works proceed and not to leave matters in abeyance until the end.

I would ask what Architect of standing or Engineer

in private practice would allow such methods as previously

referred to