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By the Chairman.-With regard to the question of calling for plans at home, you say that you strongly object to this system. On what ground do you object?
A-I think the local men ought to have a chance. Why should we not have a chance if the Government thinks we are competent? It is as much as saying we are not competent-not good enough.
Q-Then you say the people at home are not competent to design a building in the tropics ?
A-I did not say incompetent, but are not so well fitted-cannot do it as we can, especially a building like Law Courts, which means consultation on many points with the officials concerned. Suppose you build a new Post Office, there again I think that should be done by local men.
Q-Do you not think it is possible for people who are not residents of the Colony to obtain all the information necessary for the erection of such a building?
A-It may be possible, but extremely difficult.
Q-Why should it be difficult?
A-There are so many things that crop up during the building. A man sets to to work planning, and while he is planning he comes across difficulties. If the work is done here, he can run round and talk to the officials, and it is extremely convenient, while if at bome it would be extremely inconvenient,
ing?
Q-How many architects are there in Hongkong competent to erect such a build-
A-I could not say that.
Q-I do not wish you to select names; I want to know how many architects there are in Hongkong-that is, trained architects?
Mr. Master.-Do you draw a distinction between a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and a member of the Institute of British Architects?
The Chairman.-That is the distinction I atn drawing. What I want to know
am without being the least personal-
Witness.-I am afraid I must take it so.
Q-I am sorry. I do not wish you to take it as a personal question. I want to know how many architects there are in Hongkong?
A-I cannot tell you.
Q-I do not mean to suggest that a Civil Engineer is not capable of designing a house in Hongkong. You yourself have designed a great many houses, and, we all agree, to the credit of the Colony. Can a person who is not a member of the Institute of Architects build as good a house?
A-I think so. I myself am not a member of the Institute of Architects, and I have built many houses in the Colony that I can point to.
Q-Is there not a clear distinction between the profession of Civil Engineer and that of Architect?
A-As a rule with Architects and Civil Engineers at home, the distinction between them is very defined. You seldom get a Civil Engineer at home who practises as an Architect as they do here.
Q-Is there any real distinction between the different firms here as to capabilities of erecting houses ?
A-I might say there is; we all flatter ourselves.
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