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Q.-It is necessary, I believe, to pay some small sums to these Overseers to keep things going on pleasantly, is it not?
A.-No money is given, but at Christmas time some presents are sent.
Q.-I suppose that is to keep them in a good humour, is it not?
A.—It is the practice with me every year to send beef and mutton.
Q. Do you mean to say, then, you never paid the foremen anything?
A.-Never. Sometimes when I was smoking a cigar I would give the Overseer one.
Q.-Never a box of cigars?
A. Yes, at Christmas.
Q. How many cigars in a box?
A.-A hundred.
Q. Do you give any champagne?
A.-No.
Q.-Some people give champagne, do they not?
A.-I don't know. I myself never gave any. I have not much work.
Q.-The CHAIRMAN.-Was it this week or last that you spoke about this inquiry
to the Overseers? you have seen some Overseers, have you not?
A. I have heard nothing about it.
Q.-Have not the Overseers spoken to you about coming here?
A.-I was sent for only yesterday at four o'clock.
Q.-By whom?
A.-A coolie came; and all the Contractors were sent for at the same time.
Q. Do you know Mr. FRASER-SMITH?
A. He came round to my house one day. On the following day I received a subpoena.
Q. Did you go up to Court?
.A. Yes.
Q. What did he come to your house for?
A. He told me to go round to his office for a few minutes, but I refused. I asked what he wanted. He said "you come round to my place and I will tell you all about it." I thought he came to my shop to offer me work.
Q. Why did you not go to his place?
A.- He told me afterwards he wanted me about some Newspaper, and then I did not go.
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