408
2. The preparation of these Estimates has involved an unusual amount of labour owing to the introduction of the new form of Estimate and to the practice which appears to have prevailed in the past of sanctioning and commencing works before detailed drawings and estimates had been prepared. I have endeavoured, so far as possible, to supply these deficiencies, and the following notes will explain why, as regards certain items, I have been unable to prepare detailed Estimates. I now propose to deal with the Estimates, item by item.
First.-ORDINARY OR ANNUALLY RECURRENT WORKS.
3. Items 1 and 2 are the same as for the present year. A small increase is made in Item 3 (Maintenance of Public Cemetery) to allow for the coolies, formerly on the Establishment, being charged to Maintenance. It is proposed to include the Maintenance of the Disinfector (Item No. 4) in the Public Works Estimate instead of in the Establishment, as has formerly been done. The sum of $360 is provided for the purpose. Item No. 5 remains unchanged, but Item No. 6 is in- creased from $5,000 to $10,000, so as to allow for some of the existing piers which are much decayed being thoroughly repaired, and to provide for the repairs of the great storm-water channels formerly charged to the Main-drainage vote, and for other minor Government works for which no special provision is made. Item No. 7, Removing deposits from the Harbour, is reduced by $2,000. Items 8 to 12 remain unchanged. The total Estimate for recurrent expenditure has been in- creased from $110,000 to $113,560. This increase of $3,560 must, I think, be considered as very moderate, when the increased number of Government works and buildings, and of new streets and roads, is taken into account.
Secondly.-PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.
Item No. 1--Central Market.
4. In submitting my report of 5th February last (C.S.O. 358) on the Central Market, I stated that I had been unable to prepare detailed drawings, but that I estimated this Building approximately at $235,000. The detailed drawings have now been prepared. The progress of the excavations has also allowed a more careful examination to be made of the foundations, which prove to be of a less favourable nature than I was led to anticipate. With a view of meeting this con- tingency, and of providing fittings for the shops and stalls worthy of this, the principal market of the city, I find it advisable to increase the Estimate to $270,000 which will, I trust, prove sufficient to complete the Market ready for occupation.
Item No. 2-Gap Rock Lighthouse.
5. In the Estimates of 1889 the amount provided for this Lighthouse is $70,000. I can, however, find no details on which the Estimate is based. It is certain that a Revolving Light of the first order could not be constructed, under the most favourable conditions, on such a site for that sum. It should be borne in mind that the conditions under which the Lighthouse is being built are anything but favourable, as a Steam Tender capable of performing the service to a Rock, exposed to the full power of the waves of the China Sea, had to be purchased, and a staff had to be specially organised for this work. After going carefully into the matter I estimate the cost of the Lighthouse at $180,000, less $30,000, the estimated value of the s.s. Fame on the completion of the work, thus making the net cost $150,000. Although this is a large sum, it compares favourably with the cost of other Lighthouses erected on isolated rocks similarly exposed.
Items 3 to 7 (inclusively) call for no special mention.
Item No. 8-Improvement of the Recreation Ground in the Happy Valley.