Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 557

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The Chairman. Did On Kee ever take up that contract at all, or did he simply fail to come up to the scratch?

A.-No, he took it up, but the work was done unsatisfactorily, and it was reported by the Medical Officer of Health. It was Dr. Pearse who drew attention to it. (Quotes minute by Dr. Pearse, to the effect that the linewashing contractor was not doing the work satisfactorily). And further complains were attached, and it was presented confidentially before the Board. Then the Board su

Then the Board suggested that an Officer of the Public Works Depart- ment might go into this matter with the Medical Officer of Health, and report, and they did. They sent an Officer called Mr. Masters, and their report was that the work was not done satisfactorily, and then the matter was considered again by the Board, and the outcome of it was that it was advised that Sam It's contract be accepted. On Kee was reported to the Government for not fulfilling his contract, and was told that it was in the public interests that the contract should be cancelled. That was done, and the matter was considered again, and the result was that Sam Iu

got the contract.

Mr. Shelton Hooper.—Was there any penalty imposed on On Kee?

A. I dont know whether he was subjected to a penalty. Some contractors are, but I dont think he was. Some contractors can be penalised $25 a day under their contract, e.J., the Scavenging Contractor.

The Chairman.-I think you might put that book in as evidence. I dont think we have had that before. Which C. S. C. do you refer to ?

A.-1422 of 1903. The book belongs to the Sanitary Board Office.