Sessional_Paper_1898 — Page 76

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On the other hand, there is much to be urged in favour of keeping the Post Office on the present site; it is very central, close to the Banks, the hotels, the busiest part of Victoria, and the pier at which all mails and passengers will land.

9. The Harbour Department should, I think, certainly have new Offices on the Reclamation in front of the present Harbour Office, and I note that the estimated cost of the building is $110,000.

10. The question of store accommodation for the Public Works Department is pressing, but should, I think, be dealt with separately as it in no way affects the other proposals.

11. Financially ny proposals would work out as follows:-

Cost of new Courts, &c. on Plot No. 2, ............$400,000

Cost of new Post Office and Treasury,...

Cost of " Beaconsfield,"

Cost of new Harbour Office,

On the other side:-

150,000

80,000

110,000

Total,-

-$ 740,000

Sale of Plot No. 1, 33,724 square feet at $10,......$337,240

Sale of site of present Land Office and Crosby

Store, 16,078 square feet at $10,... Rents now paid or to be paid next year for Offices

capitalized,..

160,780

80,000

Total,

$ 578,020

Net cost of proposed new Offices to Government,

say, $ 162,000

12. In estimating the cost of the new Courts and new Post Office I have been guided by the cost per cubic foot and per square of floor of buildings already erected and being erected on the new Praya. These are handsome buildings of first class workmanship, and I think their cost may be taken ns giving a good idea of what the Courts would cost. I learn the Club buildings including all fittings, &c. cost $170,000.

13. Should my proposals meet with the approval of His Excellency the Gov- ernor I would suggest that the Consulting Architects be furnished with an exact plan of Plot No. 2, and photographs of the New Club, Messrs. BurTTERFIELD & SWIRE'S Offices, and the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and elevations of those buildings in order that, if possible, the designs for the new Courts may harmonize with the adjacent buildings.

The design for a new Post Office could, I consider, be made locally, from its position, no striking architectural effects would be necessary or desirable. The elevation should follow that of the new buildings in Queen's Road such as the Chartered Bank, and the internal arrangement of public rooms and offices could probably be better decided on the spot.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

R. D. ORMSBY, Director of Public Works,