189
His Excellency the Governor being desirous of obtaining a water supply for the City, offered a premium of $1000 for the best scheme proposed for that purpose, permission was given, and it was wished that the Royal Engineers Officers and Clerks of Works should compete for the premium. At that time there was but one private Architect in the Colony, the late Mr J. Walker, who also held the appointment of Assistant Surveyor General. Schemes were accordingly sent in by three Competitors, Mr. Bird (late R.E.), Mr. J. Walker, and Mr Rawling (C.E.); the scheme of Mr Rawling was adjudged to be the best, and the premium awarded accordingly.
The Surveyor General's staff then consisting of only that Officer and Mr. J. Walker, application was made to and permission granted by the Home Authorities for the loan of Mr Rawling to carry into execution the Water Works Scheme. Arrangement was made with the Colonial Government that Mr R. should receive from the Colony the same amount of Salary as when in the Royal Engineer department, with full permission to do as much private practice as he could get. In due course Mr. R's Successor came out and Mr. R was struck off the Imperial Pay List.
The value of house and storage property having risen enormously, the Colo[nial] Govt sold their land at high premiums and extensive building operations were entered upon to the great advantage of the Colonial exchequer, and as at about this time Mr J. Walker died, very extensive private practice fell into the hands of Mr. Rawling.
Page 190
was not included as there is no text to accompany it, however to follow the instruction of keeping page numbering, the outcome is adjusted accordingly.