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1952
Q-Do
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1960
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you find Government or the private work more convenient for you? ?
A-To do work for the Government, of course, there is some delay because the Government officers are very particular and we sometimes have to wait for them and so on. Then possibly some of the work has to be pulled down. But, with regard to private work the architect who is engaged in the work sees a slight alteration, some- thing not in accordance with the plans, but he passes it.
Q-He is not so particular?
A--No, he is not so particular.
By Colonel Brown.-Over which class of work do you make most money -Government work or private work?
A-About the same, but I think I can make a little more off private work.
It is
Q-Is that by putting in worse material or employing inferior labour ? A-No, not on account of supplying bad or inferior materials or workmen. because the architect who looks after the work is not so particular to have everything done strictly in accordance with the plans, and, therefore, in allowing this we gain time, and that is money.
Q-That means that he passes inferior work occasionally?
A-No, I don't mean to say that the architect would pass inferior work; I mean to say that, supposing I do certain work for a private individual, strictly speaking, I have to carry it out according to the plans, but, if there is some slight alteration, the architect would overlook it.
work ?
And the architect allows you then to substitute an inferior or cheaper style of
A--No, that is not it. I do not mean to say that I substitute inferior quality of work or material. Supposing the work is not strictly in accordance with the plans and specifications, then the architect will say "Well, that is all right" and he will pass it. Supposing he says you must carry it out according to the plans, then there is a loss of time, but by not asking me to pull it down there is time gained.
Q-Then he loses more by time than by quality of work?
A-Of course, I have to supply first class materials, but then I gain time.
By Mr. Shewan, Are you the head man in the KANG ON?
A-Yes.
Q-Have you been a long time a contractor?
A-Between ten and twenty years.
Q-Between ten and twenty years! That is a large margin?
A--Over ten years really.
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Q-You do not speak English very well?
A-Yes, I talk English well.
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Q--And why are you examined in Chinese then?
A-Well, the Chairman likes me to speak Chinese.
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Q--Can you write a good letter in English, and make out the accounts?
A-Yes,
Q Who makes out your account when you present it to the Public Works Department?
A-I do it myself.
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