There are two items in the charge which require some remark from myself, the first account of the lower amounting to £697.18.4. This erection was commenced upon the 11th of January, 1850, although the Trustees were made acquainted on the 11th December, 1848, with the contents of Your Lordship's Despatch No. 55 of 9th September, 1848, to the effect that, "Her Majesty's Government cannot sanction any further issue of public money for this Service." On no account, therefore, was it done with the sanction of my predecessor, and from the correspondence attached to his explanation, it appears that Sir John Davis must have considered himself entitled to some remuneration for his trouble in preparing the plans, specifications, working drawings, and completing the building. Sir John Davis is, however, now in England, and would no doubt be able to speak as to his intentions if applied to. I recommend that this item be admitted by Your Lordship as entitled to consideration.
The other item is the architect's commission, amounting to £416. The architect was Mr. Surveyor General Cleverly; I desired him to state in writing how he became employed, and the grounds on which he expects to be paid a commission. I forward a copy of his explanation for Your Lordship's information. It is clear that Mr. Cleverly undertook to build the Church. Legally speaking, the Trustees have no claim whatever on the Government; nevertheless, seeing that the subscriptions from private sources have amounted to £3272.11.7¼, whereas the donation by the Government is only £4,600; that there is now no chance of being able to raise the funds required to pay off the debt of the Church, and until it is clear of debt, the edifice cannot be consecrated, I have, at the express desire of the Trustees, again brought the matter to Your Lordship's attention.