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A-We have at present in our Department an officer-Mr. FISHER-who is, I think, qualified to undertake any work of the kind referred to. He was the successful competitor for the Clock Tower, and anyone will say it is an excellent design, and I think be is fully qualified to undertake such works as the Post Office.
Q-This is a question for all time. Mr. FISHER may not always be here and you should invite designs from different men. Do you think it would be'a good thing for the Government to trust entirely to Mr. FISHER or invite other architects to send in designs? No architect sent in designs for the Clock Tower because they would not have got the work to carry out.
A-I thought it was because they did not receive sufficient inducement in the way of premium.
Q-I myself think it would be better for the Government to invite outside archi- tects in a case of that sort, not necessarily in the case of a new reservoir. What do you think?
A-I don't approve of the practice of giving out a lot of work. I may say that, up to the present, the Secretary of State has insisted upon the Director of Public Works being responsible for the carrying out of the work entrusted to outsiders. The giving out of the work does not relieve the Director of Public Works in any material sense.
By Mr. SHEWAN--In the case of the Law Courts, you went to Birmingham for your designs?
A-No, London. I understand the Architects designed the Birmingham Law Courts, however.
By Colonel BROWN.-In the case of a Police Station, who conducts the various surveys connected with it?
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A-One of the Assistant Engineers.
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Q-And who prepares the design?
A-In all probability the same man.
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Q-Who takes out quantities for it?
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A-As far as possible one job is carried out by one man, only the work has to be under the guidance of an Executive Engineer.
Q-You have no special Surveyor employed to do the measuring work?
A-No.
Q-And the Assistant Engineer measures the work up?
A-That is so.
Q-And does he make any payments?
£.
He doesn't but he makes out a certificate which is sent to the Treasury
pay for payment.
Q-With regard to the water supply, as the population increases, the area from which you can obtain water diminishes?
A-Lately we have cut out one or two streams on account of the buildings on Barker Road but the area has not been curtailed to any serious extent.
Q-Could you give any idea of the number you could provide water for ?
The Chairman.-I rather think that is contained in the report by Mr. COOPER.
A-Yes, it is stated in Mr. COOPER'S Report.
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