Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 234

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Q-With regard to the preparing of estimates, what is the system at present in force in your Department?

A-When a work is required, we find out in the first instance as nearly as possible the actual requirements, whether it is connected with the Harbour Office or the Police or any other Department. We get the requirements as correctly as possible. The next thing is to find a site as suitable as possible. Then we have a survey made of it and levels taken and prepare a plan to suit the site. After that is done, we submit it for approval. If it is considered' satisfactory, the next thing is to take out the necessary quantities and prepare an estimate. In some cases in the case of buildings—we sim- ply cube them and estimate at so many cents per cubic foot, but that is not so satisfac- tory as a detailed estimate based upon the quantities. Then, if the estimate is approved and the work sanctioned, the next thing is to call for tenders. For that purpose speci- fications are drawn up and quantities are prepared in detail so that the contractor can fill in the prices. All contractors who apply receive these quantities. It is open to any contractor to send us a tender, but we make a practice of asking some of the best men to tender for any work. As a rule, of late, it has been difficult to get any tenders at all.

Q-Then, in carrying out the work, who supervises it?

A-The actual supervision is done by the Executive Engineer and an Assistant Engineer under him, in all probability, and an Overseer.

Q-And who secures that the work shall be carried out according to the specifi- cation ?

A-That is arrived at by close supervision on the part of the officers just men-

tioned.

Q-After the work is completed, I notice in some of the old papers, there were complaints about payment not being made at once. Have there been any complaints of that kind made recently?

A-Only in cases where the work is not progressing satisfactorily do we hold back the money. All contracts provide for the retention of a certain amount, generally 15 per cent., until after the completion of the work.

Q-Granting that the man has done his work satisfactorily, is there any delay in making payment ?

A-No, there is not.

Q-How do you arrange your schedule of prices?

A-It is a schedule which was drawn up first of all by a Surveyor in the Royal Engineers Office. From time to time it has been amended.

Q-What is the purpose of having this schedule of prices?

A-The schedule forms the basis of all the annual contracts-repairs of buildings, repairs of roads and all that class of work.

Q-Coming to one or two of the specific duties performed by members of your department, there are two duties which specially come under the notice of the public and these are works connected with roads and water. As far as roads are concerned, who is the officer responsible for looking after them?

A-Mr. ToOKER is the officer.

Q-And how many Overseers has he to help him in that duty?

A-DOUGHERTY and CARROLL-two.