( 65 )
EVIDENCE OF MR. A. W. BREWIN, GIVEN BEFORE THE FOOD
COMMISSION, 23rd JULY, 1900.
The Chairman (Mr. Francis).You were at one period Assistant to the Registrar General?
A. Yes. From March, 1892, to March, 1894, and then from January, 1895, to April, 1897.
Q.-During a considerable portion of the time you were for all practical purposes in charge of the department?
A.-During the last period I had more authority.
Q.-There was a nominal Registrar General there, but you were carrying on the business of the department?
A.-I could not do anything on my own authority, but my recommendations were generally accepted.
Q.-With reference to these Markets, Mr. Brewin, did you see much of the work of the Markets and the system on which they were being let?
A.--I practically had everything to do with that, and these last two years during the summer as well when I have been Acting Registrar General.
Q.-You have been Acting Registrar General too?
A. Yes, for a few months in 1898 and 1899.
Q-We would be glad to have your candid opinion as to the working of that system.
A.--Well, it depends upon the Registrar General a good deal. He has full authority to let the Markets as he likes, to fix the terms and conditions.
Q.Are there any rules or principles laid down for his guidance in the manage- ment of the Markets and the letting of the stalls?
A.-There were some rules made at, I think, the time the Market Ordinance was passed and, of course, he is guided to a certain extent by them, although he has been given full authority since then.
Q.-But they don't lay down any principles for the guidance of the Registrar General as to the amount of rent he is to ask?
A.-No.
Q-Then on what principle did you act in fixing from time to time the amount to be charged for the different Market stalls?
A.-The custom is to put up each stall to tender.
Q-Practically to auction?
A.-No, it is by sealed tender. When I first went there sealed tenders were presented but after the tenders had been handed in the tenderers were asked whether any one wished to add to his tender. If the stall was a good one the men began to bid against one another and ran the rents up far too high so the practice was put a stop to.
Q.-As I understand is the system that they were to send in offers in writing?
A. Yes.
-
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.