CO129-099 - Sir Robinson - 1864 [6-8] — Page 147

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of all the drains in Victoria, and the paving of the steepest thoroughfares with granite blocks. The present mostly constructed drains were at a time when the growth of the town to its present size was never contemplated, and when the Colony was very poor. They were executed in the roughest manner, apparently without proper supervision, and certainly require now to be rebuilt. But I do not think the financial position of the Colony, considering the extensive public works in progress and the demand for Military contribution still pending, would justify my assenting without further consideration to such a costly undertaking as that suggested by Mr Wilson, and I have accordingly instructed him to confine himself for the present to such repairs as are absolutely necessary and which, as before observed, will cost about 9,000 Dollars. I may mention however that the reconstruction of the whole drainage of Victoria as well as the other improvements recommended by the Sanitary Committee which sat during my absence in England, are measures which appear to me to deserve