Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 396

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Q-And the Law Court rooms are 19 feet?

A-Yes, on the ground floor.

By Mr. Master.-Can you tell me as to the foundations, how far they have progressed?

A-They are about three-fourths done. We have about 20 more piles to drive. By the Chairman.-The foundations have been a very difficult work?

A--Yes,

Q-What have the difficulties been ?

A-There is the difficulty in piling and the difficulty in obtaining timber, but the Chinese workmen are very slow.

Q-Are the foundations of a similar nature to those adjoining where Queen's Build- ings are erected?

A-No, we are using hardwood piles which are driven to the hard bottom.

By Mr. Master.-In the case of the building on the opposite side of the road where there is to be a hotel, are not the foundations of the same nature?

A-The ground is of a similar nature, but I think I am correct in stating that China fir piles have been used and that they were not driven on to the hard.

By the Chairman.-What kind of bottom is there on the site of the New Law Courts ?

A-The piles are driven on to the hard.

By Mr. Master.-And how long has it taken to complete the foundations?

A-The work has been in progress over a year.

By the Chairman.-And how long have they been at the foundations of the neighbouring site?

A-I don't know. The foundations must have been started before I came to the Colony.

By Mr. Shewan.-They would be longer, because they have not got finished yet?

A-Yes, these foundations have been in progress ever since I have been in the Colony.

By the Chairman.-You might give the date exactly when the foundations. of the Law Courts started ?

A-The contract was dated 19th July, 1900.

THE ORDERING OF CEMENT.

The Chairman.-Gentlemen, you remember at one or two of our previous meetings the question was raised as to the Crown Agents having sent out to Hongkong a certain quantity of cement without its having been ordered here, and I promised the Members of the Commission that I would have this matter thoroughly enquired into. I also stated at the time that it seemed to be a very extraordinary proceeding on the part of the Crown Agents, if it were true, and I doubted very much whether it had ever happened. The Director of Public Works, at my request, has enquired into the matter, and I will read you his report.*

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Appendix No. 23.