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Appendix No. 17.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT,

HONGKONG, 13th January 1902.

Proposed Law Courts.

SIR,--With reference to the two questions that were raised on the 20th December last, when I was examined before, the Public Works Commission, I have the honour to report as follows:-

1. The Choice of Architects.

With regard to the question raised by one of the members, I beg to refer to Mr. CHAMBERLAIN'S Despatch No. 132 of the 16th June, 1896, (see Sessional Papers for 1896 No. 31/96, page 487), which was published and in which he states the objections to local architects being employed, and that, in his opinion, it will be desirable to employ the Con- sulting Architects, Messrs. WEBB & BELL, who designed the Birmingham Law Courts and other notable buildings and who also have considerable experience in making designs for buildings in the Tropics.

2. Deviations from Original Sketches.

The original sketches were received on the 29th October, 1898, the Secretary of State in forwarding these sketches stated as follows:-

"The Architects have prepared these sketches with a view to ascertaining that the arrangements of the buildings are generally suited to local requirements, before the expense of detailed designs is incurred," and Mr. ORMSBY reported on the 16th November, 1898, that the sketches had been laid before the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice WISE, the Acting Attorney General, the Crown Solicitor and the Registrar, and were generally approved, a few alterations being suggested. The alterations suggested and which have been adopted are as follows:-

"The Judges do not require a special room for their clerks.

'The Chief Justice prefers that his private room should adjoin that of the Puisne "Judge.

"The Jury Room and Robing Room should be transposed.

"Accommodation on ground floor (one room) should be provided for Custo:lian.

"A special entrance for the clerical staff as suggested by the architects is considered "advisable.

"The Store Room should be on the ground floor,

"Additional room for records.

"A Lift to be provided; and

"Hoods should be provided to all windows on the West."

The late Mr. FRANCIS was the only person who raised any objections to which the Director of Public Works replied.