CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914 — Page 193

7

3611-

—

27

191

he being disgusted with the unprofessional manner in which the Government were carrying out the work, and shortly after- wards the Clerk of Works who was supervising this work as well as the New Post Office Buildings also resigned.

I would ask the Government to kindly consider the position created at that date; there were two works of magnitude in progress, as well as other works, (the com- plicated nature of the New Post Office Buildings I have dealt with in my letter to you of the 30th January, last) I realized that matters of vital importance were at stake and I remained loyal to duty, working long after office hours to overcome difficulties not of my creation and make the best of the situation at that date. A perusal of various C.3.0's in the archives of the Government of Hong- kong will shew the deplorable position the Government were in at that period.

I think it will also be found at that period, that the Crown Solicitor pointed out the undue risks the Government were taking and that he advised additional assistance be given me.

I have no hesitation in stating that never in the history of the Universe have two buildings of magni- tude, viz:- New Law Courts and the New Post Office, been

carried out on such a basis.

The fact should not be overlooked that the two

buildings cited above were not the only works that I and

my most limited staff have had to deal with, neither should

the fact be overlooked that other large works have been

successfully carried out by me when Mr. Chatham has adhered

to his own duties and has not interfered with the due per-

formance of contracts.