{
93
Yo, 40070%.
107
Go.11801108.
which to base an estimate. In my Despatch No. 260 of 14th.
October, 1907, paragraph 9, I informed the Secretary of State
that an estimate had been made which amounted to $1,540,000
and in my further Despatch of 7th. March, 1908, I explained
the steps I had taken with the object of reducing the cost by
curtailing the size of the area to be enclosed. I enclosed a
detailed report by Mr. J. F. Boulton and informed you that
the Public Works Committee of the Legislative Council had
unanimously recommended the adoption of the larger scheme at
an estimated cost of £1,610,000, one-half only of which was
to fall on the ordinary revenues and reserves of the Colony
the other half being contributed by a temporary increase in
the Light Dues paid by the Shipping who would especially
benefit by harbour improvements. Up to this time no steps had
been taken to commit the Colony in any way to the expenditure
involved in this scheme pending receipt of the approval of
the Secretary of State. All that had been done, was to pre-
-pare a preliminary estimate based on an actual survey,
measurements and borings, and to ascertain that the community
were really in favour of the undertaking in spite of the
large cost which would be involved.
3.