268
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1746
8
1750
1
2
10
5
Q-Then do you think private work, as compared with Government work, is of as good quality ?
A-Large works, yes; small works, no.
Q-And do you think that large works, which are of just as good quality, are executed more cheaply?
A-They are slightly cheaper.
Q-Is there much difference?
A-No, not much difference; I should say anywhere from 5 to 10 per cent.
Q-And in smaller works, how does the cost compare?
A-I should say Government work is much dearer.
Q-Do you think the quality justifies the extra cost?
A-I do.
Q-So that, taking it all round, the Government gets its work done at a reasonable rate ?
A-Yes. One thing I would like to say is that it is slow, compared with private work.
Q-What is the reason of that?
A-I do not know. I think it wants a little more push. I refer to large works generally. I have got in my mind's eye the foundations for the Law Courts, which are taking an extraordinary time.
Q-As compared with other foundations laid there?
A-As compared with foundations which we are laying alongside.
Q-Are both foundations being constructed in practically the same manner?
A-No, I would not say that.
Q-Is there any difference in construction which would warrant one taking longer than the other ?
A-No.
6 By Mr. Master.-Nobody's business to hurry it on?
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A-Well, of course, it comes to the same thing. The Director of Public Works, either be has got a heap to do—
Q--Or no one can hurry him?
A-I don't know.
By the Chairman.-The Government contract is male for a definite time? Is that not the rule ?
A--I do not know what the Government contracts are, as a rule, but it is so with private work.
Q-It is a rule with Government work also. If a contractor does not carry out his work in a certain tine he is subject to a penalty. A contractor, knowing that he is liable to a penalty, would not be anxious to delay the work?
A-I suppose that is the hold you have over contractors.
Q--With regard to contractors, does your long experience of them lead you to think that a private engineer or architect gets cheaper work out of them?
firm.
A—I think so, slightly cheaper. I should say decidedly cheaper for a private
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