The Cliffs, they have at present, are too small, and it is a necessity that the house should have a residence in the Summer on the Peak (see 24652/92).
2) A vote of $15,000 has been placed on the Draft Estimates for 1900 to commence this work.
The present total Estimate for the house is $75,000, and it appears from para. 6 of this Despatch that that Estimate may possibly be exceeded.
This increase on the Estimate is owing to the fact that the accommodation previously estimated for was insufficient, not enough Verandahs etc. I do not think that the accommodation (seven bedrooms, five dressing rooms) seems too large.
It is anticipated that there will be a considerable balance in hand at the end of the current year. The Draft Estimates for next year show a surplus of Revenue over Expenditure of $105,000. It seems, therefore, that there are now sufficient reasons for not further delaying the work on financial grounds, and I therefore recommend that we should definitely approve of its being begun.
The Governor is doubtless aware that the house should be completed by next summer, as, when the present lease of the Cliffs expires on 31st Dec 1900, there will be no Summer residence available until the new one is finished.
Under these circumstances, I think we may approve the Governor's proposal that, if it is found possible to accelerate the work, the sum estimated for 1900 may be exceeded, though I would observe that having regard to the very heavy Expenditure which will shortly be necessary on the larger impending Public Works (new Law Courts & Post Office), it is undesirable that such balance should be utilised for this purpose. But if the anticipated balance is realised at the end of the current year, and if it is found in the middle of next year that the anticipated supplies of Revenue over Expenditure will probably be maintained, I think Mr. Chamberlain will not object to a further vote being taken.
T.C.M.
Major Cameron
The design for the house (24652/92) seems to be satisfactory, and I see no objection to the building being erected by contract instead of by the P.W.D.
I think at the time the P.W.D. was...
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