:
4.
378
On this understanding, I will proceed to deal
with the items of the schedule framed by the Director of Public Works, premising that the figures under the head *1925" may be ignored in this connection. They do not include works which it is expected to complete this year and are given mainly as a guide to show what important works now on hand will extend over into future years.
(1)
Officers quarters.
The provision of quarters for as many Government servants as possible is a matter of considerable importance in a place where the rents of private houses are so high. Adequate housing at a reasonable rental tends to produce a contented service and thereby to promote efficiency. I do not, however, consider that it is desirable to use loan funds for this purpose and I think therefore that the programme of housing should be proceeded with only to the extent to which it is possible to finance it from revenue. It seems probable that a total sum of two million dollars in addition to what we have already spent would suffice to build all or practically all the quarters which we should be justified in providing. This sum need not necessarily be provided within the next five years. is desirable to build as quickly as possible if we have the money to hand: if we have not, the programme must wait till we have. We ought to be able to provide on an average
$400,000 a year for this purpose.
It
(2). Quarters at d'Aguilar. Essential to the proper working of the wireless station. A small matter and one to
be financed from revenue.
(3). Fire Brigade Station. A costly but essential work already well advanced. As the benefit will be lasting may well be classed as a loan-work. (I may observe that this
building will house several Government departments in
addition