( 72 )
Q-But if it is not supervised, and you have to say so much work have been done, it would be easy for you to say 10 or 15 per cent. more was done?
A. Yes, but that would be dishonest.
Q-I am not saying you do it, but there is an opportunity?
A.—Well, he comes and measures after perhaps.
Q.-But you have the opportunity?
A. Well, every one has the opportunity of being dishonest if he likes.
Q-And in the usual way in which the work is carried out in this Colony there is not much supervision over the work you
A. Yes, more than there is at home.
do?
Q.-Suppose you had to measure work to-morrow, who would supervise you?
A.-Mr. BoWDLER.
Q-Does he measure every contract ?
A. Yes.
Q.-You have said it was only now and then he did.
A.-Yes, but when a Contractor is going round to the work he is going to take up he goes with him.
Q.-But do you mean to say every piece of work you measure, Mr. BOWDLER mea- sures again? I am speaking of work large or small, which you say you are entrusted with the duty of measuring. I ask you, does Mr. BoWDLER or some of your superior officers check it after you?
A.-No, he only checks the bill.
Q.-Then there would be opportunities if you chose to certify more work was done than was actually done?
A. Yes, if I wished to do it.
Q.-The CHAIRMAN.-Have you ever heard any one say any one gets bribes, or squeezes, or cumshaws?
A.-No.
Q.-Ever heard any one talk about this?
A.-No, no one in the department.
Q-I mean outside.
A. Well, I have seen a lot in the paper, and I have heard a lot of people talk about the squeezing in the Public Works Department.
Q.-You have heard a lot of people talking?
A.-Yes
es; any one can see it when he takes a newspaper up.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.