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After reading the correspondence that has passed on this subject your Excellency will no doubt agree with me that the prospect of carrying out the scheme for the extension of the Praya is as remote as ever.
The finances of the Colony will not suffice at the present moment to meet even half of the estimated cost ($2,508,700) as there are other large public works, such as a new fort and a new market, which are much more urgently required.
If the whole of the cost is to be borne by the local Government I doubt whether it can be undertaken for some time to come.
11.
Under these circumstances I have been considering for some time past an alternative scheme which it seems to me will be beneficial to the Civil Department. It will undoubtedly be advantageous in the harbour, and it could, if approved, enable the Government to undertake the work of Praya Extension at once without referring to the Imperial Government for a contribution from the Government.
It is very much more limited in its scope and there are no insuperable objections to its adoption from a military point of view, the same as now put forward might admit of modifications that may render it more acceptable.
I send herewith, for your Excellency's information and consideration, a copy of the proposal and remarks on the removal of the Troops from their present quarters to a new one, but the locality is not suggested on this former occasion.