CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 191

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order" like so much machinery, by the representatives of the British Government in the Tropics, from a competent professional man who was suffering from serious 111-health.

Regard should also be given to the Report of the Committee who reported upon the New Post Office Buildings, who advised a special staff for such accounts, yet I had to deal with the Law Courts alone.

It is a fact that, despite all the anxiety I had endured, it was necessary for me to work night after might and on to the early hours of the morning in a tropical climate to get the Government of Hongkong out of a difficul- ty created by Mr. Chatham, the result being that my health failed me and my life was endangered, as placed before you in other communications.

24.

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In connection with the final accounts for the building under review, I have to state that, I know not what procedure Mr. Chatham has resorted to since February 1913. As a professional man, and having been taught the ethics of the profession, I respect Government contracts, and I fail to appreciate the actions of Mr. Chatham in his joint capacity as Arbitrator and Director of Public Works in view of decisions recently given in the highest Courts

of Law.

It is a source of sorrow to me that my health

failed me and that I was compelled to return to England;

I would have willingly defended any action the Contractor

might have brought against the Government of Hongkong, with,

I hope, honour to the Government and credit to myself.

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min-

In view of the Weekly forms, Monthly reports,

utes, etc., that have been in use year after year, one may