)
385
4. I have no doubt that the receipts from the premia on sale of Crown lands will be very large in the coming year and probably in 1901, but the circumstances are somewhat exceptional, and I am not certain that the high price now being paid for Crown land will continue. I shall be glad to be favoured with your views as to how far these moneys, which as I pointed out in Council are really part of the capital of the Colony, shall be used as a portion of general revenue. In my opinion such monies are fairly applicable only to works of permanent utility such as Waterworks, Sanitary works or trunk roads, and that when not required for such works the monies received as premia ought to be placed to a reserve fund that would be available in case of future need, while the interest might be included in general revenue.
5. It is my intention to hire offices near the present Law Courts for the Attorney General and Registrar pending the building of the New Law Courts. This will give the basement of the present Courts for the use of the Post Office which is part of the same block and already occupies one room of the basement, and will relieve the present congestion in the Post Office.
6. I shall forward for your sanction further proposals for the continuation of the works included in the Estimates, and for small works of pressing need in a short time.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble Servant,
GOVERNOR, &C.