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7. The plans and estimates of the works referred to in paragraph 9 of Your Lordship's despatch have been carefully revised by the Surveyor General and submitted for the consideration of the Public Works Committee, whose report on the subject I annex.

It has not been found possible to reduce the estimated cost of the Cattle Depôt. A reduction has however been effected in the estimate for the Slaughter-House and Sheep and Pig Depôt at Kennedy Town, by somewhat reducing the shed accommo- dation for animals.

I

may

mention that both these works are regarded as of very urgent necessity, and the designs were originally prepared to furnish, as far as possible, the accommo- dation considered necessary by the Sanitary Board, who will have charge of the buildings. These works were commenced last year.

As regards the Central Market, which is also a very urgently required improve- ment, and a building which it must be remembered will be of a remunerative nature, the greatest saving on the original estimate that the Surveyor General has found it possible to devise is one of $20,000.

The design of Mr. WILLS, the late architectural assistant in the Public Works Department, was also before the Committee and is referred to in their report. That design however, as far as I can gather, aimed more at architectural improvement than increased economy, and the Committee were unable to decide as to the com- parative merits of the original and new design.

I regard it as fortunate that the Committee did not adopt the resolutions of Mr. T. H. WHITEHEAD, which would have involved a delay of several months in proceeding with the work.

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Owing to the fact that the foundations of this building are already completed, any delay in prosecuting the work involves considerable loss, and I am so satisfied that everything has been done that can be done to economise in the estimate, and so sensible of the great inconvenience and loss that would be caused by further suspend- ing the work, (the Surveyor General estimates the loss to the revenue by each day's delay to be $100), that in concurrence with the Executive Council I strongly recom- mend Your Lordship to sanction it being proceeded with, and I would urge that such sanction should be conveyed by telegraph that I may without delay accept the tender which has been approved, and order work to be resumed.

8. As regards the Hospital Staff Quarters after careful consideration and con- sultation with the Medical Authorities I am of opinion that the quarters are by no means too large, and give barely the accommodation required for the Staff leaving little for any extra demand in view of future contingencies.

It is true, I think, that the building was designed on a somewhat too extravagant scale as regards its external appearance, but I am satisfied that the accommodation is needed and that it is not possible to deyote any part of the building to the purposes. of a ward. These quarters are now almost completed.

As regards the alterations and additions to the Hospital, the Surveyor General is of opinion that they could not be dispensed with in any case.

They consist of the following items:-

Retaining Wall,

Hot Water Apparatus,

Store Room,...

$1,314

1,000

Enlargement of Female Ward,

395

400

2,782

.... 1,240

$7,131

Boundary Walls and Railings, Cook House, Latrines, &c.,