Robinson, in the letter above referred to, estimated the cost at $10,000. Thus, very nearly half the sum estimated was saved on the original purchase money, as well as my endeavor to effect the object in hand at as reasonable and cheap a rate as possible.
$9,500, showing the difficulty of arriving at a correct estimate of a work of this nature.
8. I took for granted the necessity of fitting up the hulk for the special purpose for which she was designed and reported that the fittings would be proceeded with without delay.
9. With this object, I advertised for tenders, and I enclose for Your Grace's information a copy of the specification and memo of the three tenders received, one of which, it will be perceived, is for nearly $18,000, while the tender accepted is for M2. No 3.
10. To have waited for an estimate, even if it had been practicable, would not only have been inconsistent with the instruction for "the immediate commencement of the proposed buildings" but would have brought us far into the summer. And in the crowded state of Victoria Gaol, it would have caused serious risk to the health and life of the prisoners and the gaol staff. As it was, the mortality among the prisoners during the past hot weather has been greater than...