- 2.
-
36
floors are ceaselessly attacked by white ants, need constant
repairs and renewals and, if not frequently inspected may
become in danger of collapse. The brick vaulting to the
Verandahs is of too flat a section and too weakly constructed
for its load and it is of quite recent date that a portion of
this vaulting, near the main entrance, fell. It may be said
that all old buildings of the type of construction described
are rapidly being replaced in this Colony by others of modern
construction in which reinforced concrete is extensively used
and structural timber practically eliminated and it is
inevitable that Government House should eventually follow the
same course.
The following is a tabulated list of expenditure
during the last five years on Maintenance and reconstruction
Vote.
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
P.W.R. 1,Item 1 $11,943,02 $6,536.04 $1,577.04 $
554.05 $13,994.08
(maintenance)
P.W.R.1,Item ?
176.61 1,156.45 1,115.80
342.35 2,637. 73
(Improvements)
P.W.R. 5,Item 1
261.73
273.58 71.69
(Storm Damage)
P.W.E. Misc.
175.83
878.75 582.72
128.79
836.88
140,967.06
Miscellaneous)
P.W.E. 31 S/H.7 (Reconstruction of Ball Room)
TOT AL
$12,557.19 $8,571.24 $3,275.56 $142,265.83 $17,540.38
The
It is obvious that when reconstruction of Government
House takes place considerable enlargement will be necessary as
the existing building is too small for present needs.
rebuilding of the Main Block on its present site is thus
rendered impracticable as it is restricted by the Servants
Quarters