Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 413

( 185 )

2288

9

2290

1

Q-Has it not worked well under the other system? Mr. COOPER was the head of the Public Works Department and also had the water and drains under him?

A—I have no doubt the thing worked very well as long as Mr. COOPER was there, but I gather that he was succeeded by one who had no experience of water and drain- aye. I don't know, of course, but am judging from the reports.

Q-Do

you think there should be an expert at the head of the water and drainage who would be under the Public Works Department, or do you think that the Public Works Department and Water and Drainage should be separate departments ?

A-I think they should be separate and distinct departments and, if under any department, that should really be the Sanitary Board. I am not prepared to say why or how that should be carried out, but the heads may be very willing to co-operate.

Q-But would you not then have the head of the Water and Drainage department under the Sanitary Board?

A—I think in some ways it would be a good thing, and you can see there is a certain division of authority at the present time. You might ask why were not more timely steps taken to intermit the supply? At least if you had one head of the water and drainage alone, you would know whom to drop on.

Q-Do you regard the present Director of Public Works as competent to direct the Water and Drainage Department?

A--I have very little acquaintance with him, but, as far as I understand, he has never had much to do even under Mr. COOPER with the water and drainage department. He has always been on some other branch. My acquaintance with him dates from my arrival this time, although he actually arrived in the Colony while I was here before.

TENTH MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Tuesday, 18th March, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (( hairman).

The Honourable JonN THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, I sq., (Secretary),

G. C. C. MASTER, Esq.

ABSENT:

W. CHATHAM, re-called and sworn:

The Chairman.—Mr. CHATHAM, the Commission have re-called you as they wish to ask you a few questions in view of the evidence they have already taken, and also to offer you an opportunity of giving them any further information that may have occurred to you since you were last before them. With regard to the staff, Mr. CHAT- HAM, I observe that, in your previous evidence, you stated that, if you had a staff

317