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The cement should have been ordered by and recorded in the letter book &c., of the Praya Reclamation, and not the Public Works Department. The cement arrived in the months of June and September, 1898, and was taken delivery of by the Praya Re- clamation.

This was the only consignment of Cement ordered or received by the Praya Reclamation or the Public Works Department during Mr. Ormsby's term of office in the Colony,—i.e., 19th October, 1897-12th March, 1901.

Herewith copies of letter and indent,

DAVID WOOD.

13.1.02.

CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION,

With reference to your enquiries regarding a consigninent of cement, which the Crown Agents are reported to have sent to this Department without having received any order to do so, the facts of the case are as stated in the above minute. As only one consignment of cement was ordered or received during Mr. ORMSBY's term of office, there is no room for any doubt on the subject.

W. CHATHAM. Director Public Works.

13.1.02.

No. 59.

(Copy)

Cement for 1898.

26th January, 1898.

Sir, I have the honour to represent that our probable requirements in Cement this year, over and above the quantity now contracted for with the Green Island Cement Company, will be about 1,200 tons. I am somewhat doubtful as to their being able to supply this, at least with cement fit for immediate use.

I therefore recommend that at least 300 tons be ordered from England through the Crown Agents and submit an indent accordingly.—I have, &c.,

The Honourable The Colonial Secretary.

R.D. ORMSBY, Director of Public Works.

Indent No. 2 of 1898.

GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

REQUISITION ON THE CROWN AGENTS FOR THE COLONIES.

Amount.

Description of Articles.

Quantity required.

Probable Rates.

Remarks.

£

S.

d.

Tons.

Cement, Portland..................... 300

£1. 15. 0. per ton

}

525

HONGKONG. 26th January, 1898.

(Sd.) R. D. Ormsby, Director of Public Works.

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