-278
( 146 )
1871
3
5
Q-But you were in the Department; you should know that. It is difficult to reconcile the two facts. If there is so much to do, and so much left undone, how is it they are not working night and day?
A-Probably because there is so much left undone.
By the Chairman.-Have you experienced delays in getting replies to your letters and getting your plans passed?
A-I have an application for land in now that has been in for some three or four months.
Q-You have had no reply to it?
A-I have had no reply.
Q--Any other cases of delay?
A--I have no recollection of any other delay-nothing more than I should consider inevitable.
Q-In your relations with the Department, you do not, as a rule, experience delays? A-As a rule, I do not experience delays.
6
By Mr. Shewan.-Is three or four months not an extraordinary delay?
A-Yes, it is.
7
By the Chairman-Have you ever had such a long delay before?
8
9
1880
A-No, I have never had such a long delay.
Q-And can you account for it ?
A-I believe that the reason is that the land branch is not properly manued. I understand that they are getting a new man out, and that he has only newly arrived.
By Mr. Master.-In your opinion, is it any disadvantage to the Govern- ment to let out large Public Works Extraordinary to private firms?
A-No.
Q-Do you consider private firms would do the work as well ?
A-Certainly.
1
Q-And at no greater expense, including private firms' commission?
You see, the
A-It might come to some greater expense, but I should doubt it. people in private practice here have, nearly all of them, had far more experience than the officers of the Public Works Department, and would probably, therefore, be in a position to design better and cheaper work.
2
Q-Do you think the plans would be as good?
A-They would be as good, certainly.
3
Q-Or do you think they would be better ?
A-I should say they would be better.
4
5
-Do you think a firm of engineers or architects at home who have never been out here are as well qualified to prepare plans for a big building as a private firm out here ?
A-No, I do not.
Q-Why?
A-Because local experience in buildings here is of such great value.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.