MOUNTAIN LODGE.
(Contd.)
The
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examining all those on offer and considering the possible sites, he decided that a new house ought to be built on the site of Mountain Lodge. That site is the most elevated, commands the finest views, enjoys the most bracing air, and owing to its altitude cannot be overlooked. The grounds are so extensive that with a little extra cutting down here and filling in there, a plateau can be formed as large as, if not larger than, that on which Government House stands, and which would not only furnish space for a handsome and commodious residence but would leave room for several tennis courts besides ground for gardens. The proposed house would be roomy and adapted for the entertainment of any distinguished guests who may be passing through this Colony. Having ascertained at the last meeting of this Council that the plans of the building were open to inspection, I have since carefully examined them, and find that the house is very properly designed to meet all the requirements of a gubernatorial residence.
"The rent of the house at present occupied by the Governor is $2,400 per annum; but 3¾ per cent interest would only yield $2,100 a year. It is true that money can be employed in this city for business purposes at 7 and 8 per cent per annum, but to this Government it is worth only 3¾ because they borrowed at that in the past and can borrow at the same figure in future. Moreover, if this Colony had lakhs of dollars at its disposal, it could not only employ them at any advantage, as the local banks are in the habit of doing. The Government must rest content with the 2 per cent credited to their current account by their bankers. For these reasons and on these grounds, balancing rent against interest, unless we could tell the Governor that we are in straitened circumstances, we cannot afford it; the colony, therefore, will not pay rent for the house you are now occupying in the hill-district. I do not see how any money can be saved or any economy effected by denying the Governor a new house at the Peak.
"I need not go into the question of upkeep, as I believe the Government undertake all repairs needed at 'Craigieburn'. As you are aware, the erection of a new Mountain Lodge was deferred on account of the vote of $40,000 being found insufficient for the purpose. Now, this, in my opinion, very necessary work can be carried out, I find, without recourse being had to a special loan. At the opening of this session, there was laid on the table the budget estimate for the current year, showing surplus revenue over expenditure of a handsome sum of money. I understand that, notwithstanding the fall in exchange, this expectation will be partially, if not wholly, realised. In that case, we can fully afford to contribute from the revenue of this Colony a sum of $60,000 for the erection of a new Government House at the Peak.
"That this house will have to be built sooner or later, there is not the least doubt. I contend that the present is a good time. The present is the proper time, inasmuch as the building trade is dull, and the work could be done more cheaply, more efficiently, and more thoroughly than in a time of boom. Moreover, the materials of Mountain Lodge could be utilised to some extent, whereas if left exposed to damp and rot much longer, they will become worthless. As the building would take, I understand, some eighteen months to construct, I think no further time should be lost, and under all the circumstances, I hope my colleagues will consider it right and deem it prudent, as it would be graceful, to vote unanimously for the resolution."
The resolution was carried by a majority, only two voting against it on the principle of economy, one of them being the Hon. Mr. C.P. (later Sir Paul) Chater.
It was not until about six years later that final steps were taken to erect a new Peak residence for the expenditure of the