aggregates for Gardens and
Ornamental Plantations $9,192.80, or $2,509.80 less than was proposed for 1872.
I may, however, mention with regard to the Gardens that although the new state in which they are, when there is not, I believe, 20 acres available, they are rapidly progressing towards completion, and when finished, they will be available for the recreation of the Community, yet much more has to be done before the works will be completed. And as they will be a great boon to the Public, and will be a permanent improvement to the Colony, I apprehend that Your Lordship will not object to sanctioning what is required to be expended.
There is no dissentient voice in the Community as to the advisability of devoting a small portion of the Public Revenue for this purpose.
With reference to the vote for the new Harbour Master's Office, I have addressed Your Lordship in another Despatch (No. 104 of 1st Instant), and as regards the vote for the new Civil Hospital, while bearing in mind Your Lordship's approval of the Committee's recommendation that the expenditure should be under a loan, I have no doubt that when the financial condition of the Colony is taken into consideration...