2.
– I forwarding the Returns separate for the 3rd Quarter, 1871, it was reported to Your Lordship that $2,500 had been voted by the Council for a subscription of a similar amount for the erection of the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Joseph, which, it was understood, was much required to meet the wants of the Roman Catholic Community - including the Soldiers who profess that religion.
3. The cost of the building however, was $8,754, of which sum from private sources - as appears by a letter of 16th October, 1871 - $5,234 only have been collected, leaving a balance of $3,520 still due.
4. Having consulted the Executive Council upon the application from the Very Reverend Father Raimondi, Prefect Apostolic, for further aid, I submitted to the Legislative Council a proposal, which was unanimously passed, that on the condition of half the amount required to clear the Church from debt being privately subscribed, the Government should pay the other half, if Your Lordship did not disapprove.