Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 397

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Mr. Shewan.-There is evidently a misunderstanding between the two Depart- ments; the one ordered and the other did not know anything about it.

The Chairman.-I do not see how there could have been any misunderstand- ing between the two Departments. Mr. ORMSBY was head of both Departments, and he ordered the cement.

Mr. Shewan.-He said he did not know anything about it.

The Chairman.-I think this instance shows how highly desirable it is that these statements regarding the Crown Agents should be thoroughly investigated.

Mr. Shewan.---But he distinctly declared that he knew nothing about it.

The Chairman.-The facts are that this cement was ordered by the Colony as these documents show, and, I think, that this is another instance of how necessary it is that such statements should be thoroughly investigated in the interests of all concerned and especially of those against whom such accusations are brought. The statement was that the Crown Agents sent out cement that was not ordered.

Mr. Shewan.-The mistake evidently arose in this way. It says here in this letter-book that the cement should have been ordered and recorded in the books of the Praya Reclamation, and not of the Public Works Department.

The Chairman.-Mг. ORMSBY, from his long experience of the Crown Agents, ought to have been thoroughly well aware that the Crown Agents are not in the habit of sending out goods that are not ordered. It is satisfactorily shown here that the goods were ordered, and that the Crown Agents only did what they were requested to do.

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J. F. BOULTON, of the Praya Reclamation Works, sworn :-

By the Chairman.-You are specially engaged at present on the Praya Reclamation Works, I think ?

A-Yes.

Q-How long have you been on these works?

A-About twelve years.

QDid you join the Government Service specially for the purpose of being atta- ched to that work?

A-Yes.

Q-That is to say, you have been in the Government Service for twelve years altogether?

A-Yes

es.

Q-Is the Praya Reclamation approaching completion now?

A-It is very nearly completed; I expect it will be finished by the end of this

year.

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Q-And all the roads formed ?

A-Yes.

3

Q---How long has it taken altogether?

A--The actual work of construction was commenced about the end of 1889.

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