$16,000 including all timber: this I considered very favourable offer, as I hoped to be able to complete the Church exclusive of the Tower, for the amount authorized. Subsequently to these arrangements, the Trustees of the Church were appointed, and as I was under the impression that the fact of the Estimate being inadequate for the total completion of the Church, was quite notorious, I did not think it necessary to mention the subject formally to the Trustees, but as additional funds are now requisite, if the tower is to be carried to its full height, this detail is called for at the present moment, that funds may be placed at my disposal for the Service.
It is my duty to remark that there are several items specified in the Report and Estimate which are not estimated for, or are estimated at such a low figure that the work never could be executed for the sum estimated; for instance, the plastering outside in Roman cement is at 20d per square of 100 feet, whereas it cannot be done here under £3; the plastering inside is placed at £44.1.4 or 4d a yard, including all mouldings, whereas the commonest plastering cannot be done under 9d exclusive of mouldings.
The stairs in turret, certain bond and the East window, also granite blocks for the door, and window fastenings are specified to be granite, and with the exception of the stairs, these items have been forgotten in the Estimate, and the stairs themselves could not be executed for five times the sum named. Absolute necessity existed for forming the bases of the columns in granite and also the window-sills of the same material; finally, the total amount of Estimate, £6959.8.3, and the amount authorized only £1900. These several causes have been the main reason why the Estimate was insufficient for the work required.
True Copy.
(Signed) Chas. St. Geo. Cleverly
Surveyor General
Colonial Secretary