(
2173
9.
In October 1870 the Harbor Master drew attention to the "defective condition" of the building in which he had to carry out his official duties. Investigations showed the necessity of propping up the walls to prevent their falling, but further signs of danger appearing, the Lieutenant Governor in February of the following year ordered the preparation of plans and estimates for a new building.
3.
The Surveyor General's report, on which the Lieutenant-Governor acted, contains the following passage: "The whole building is cracked and shattered from the top to the bottom and is really in an unsafe condition. Had these premises been owned by a private individual instead of by the Government, I should have considered it my duty to have caused them to be pulled down."
4.
In July 1871 Mr. Montmom sent in his plans and estimates for the Office he proposed to build. The amount required, viz. £2,934, was so large that I am not surprised at the Executive declining to entertain the proposal.
Shortly after my arrival in the Colony I personally...