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Q. Can you tell us why it is more than double?
A. It was formerly $1 to $1.20 for a floor. But at $1 to $1.25 it was not done very well. Now it is $2.50 to $3 he wants, because the Inspectors, when it was $1.25, used to take bribes,
The Chairman.-Yes?
A.--He could not whitewash the floors properly; but some money was given to them.
Q. And the floor was done badly?-Now, why do they have to pay so much money ?
A. Because since these enquiries, the Inspectors have been afraid to take money. So it must be properly done, and it costs $2 to $3.
Mr. Fung Wa Chuo.-Then this Commission does not do any good-it does a lot of harm?
A.-Oh, it does a lot of good.
The Chairman.-Now, Mr. Ho, is it only quite during the last six months that the price has gone up so enormously for limewashing?
A. And a number of contractors have also been afraid to take contracts, since this Commission has been sitting.
Q.-Who are the men who generally do the work now, do you know?
A. Anyone does it now. Before, two or three had to do it.
Q.-Who were the men before-the two or three men?
A.-There were more than two or three.
Q. Can you give us the names of those who used to do it ?
A.-Foo Sik. I know his best. He used to do several thousands of houses.
He is
unwilling to do them now, and I give the job to someone else to do now. They are unwilling to do it for $2.50 a floor.
Q. Why do they ask for so much,-what is their reason?
A.-Because it cannot be done well, and the Inspectors wont pass it.
Q. Why dont they pass it?
A.Because it is not done properly.
Q. Is it not rather because the sub-contractors dont pay them money, and therefore they make trouble with them,-make them do it three or four times over?
A. That is just it.
Q.-The Inspectors have not been bribed, and therefore they wont pass the work, is that what you mean?
A. Yes.
Mr. Shelton Hooper.-Now indirectly have you anything to do with the West Point property, which is leased to Chan Nam ?
A. Yes, I know about it.
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