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heretofore adopted in this Colony, for their guidance observe that the charge for furnishing the private apartments has hitherto been borne by the Governor for the time being. But this is an mistake as from the establishment of the Colony until 1855, a Government House thoroughly furnished was provided for Sir Henry Pottinger, Sir John Davis, Sir George Bonham, and Sir John Bowring, at an expense to the Colony of not less than £2600 a year.
It was not until the completion of the present Government House in October 1855, that a change took place. The Colony being at that time still dependent upon Parliamentary Grants, the strict letter of the Colonial Regulation was adhered to, and Sir John Bowring was furnished the private apartments at his own expense - Upon his departure, the furniture was sold at public auction.
6. When I arrived I accordingly found the private apartments nothing but bare walls, with the exception of a few chairs and tables which from time to time had been drafted upstairs when they became unfit for the rooms they were in.