E.—3

84

The appointment of an Accountant, sanctioned by you, has also made the office work of a businesslike character. All accounts are scheduled by this officer, and at a moment's notice the money expended or owing on any work can be ascertained, as well as the condition of every vote connected with Public Domains and Buildings. The professional office work has been done by one permanent draftsman and a cadet, with temporary assistance when required; but if the work continues to increase in the same ratio, a second draftsman will be necessary. In the last report, I pointed out that if the work done by me had been placed in the hands of private Architects, the cost during the first year would have amounted to £1,686 11s., the second year to £2,249 3s. 6d., the third year to £1,2G7 Is., the fourth year to £4,574 11s. Gd., and this yearto £5.012. In consequence of the increased work in connection with the Domains in Wellington, another man is required on the staff, which will then consist of two labourers and three gardeners, including the overseer or head gardener, but exclusive of Government House, Lowry Bay, and Auckland Domains. I am fully confident of the advantage that will be derived from the employment of a jobbing carpenter permanently, which commenced under your authority from the Ist instant, upon the representations submitted by me. There is constant work for one if not two men. A workshop has been erected in a central position, and little time is lost in coming or going to any job requiring to be done. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. "W. H. Claxtok.

Enclosure. SCHEDULE A. BUILDINGS and other WORKS FINISHED since 1st July, 1873.

Description of Work. Cost. Payments during past Year. Quarantine Barracks, Port Chalmers ... Immigration Barracks, Caversham Quarantine Barracks, Somes' Island ... Enlarging House of Representatives ... New Legislative Council Chamber Additions, &c, to Government House... Reclamation of a portion of Wellington Harbour, as a site for New Government Offices Purchase of and additions to Ministerial Residence, Molesworth Street Additions to Ministerial Residence, Tinakori Road Concrete Tank, Tinakori Road Tokomairiro Post and Telegraph Office Malvern „ „ Clinton „ „ Rangiora Post and Telegraph Office ... Te Awamutu „ „ Rakaia „ „ Hamilton „ ,, Mosgiel „ „ Additions to Wellington Telegraph Office Additions to Museum Repairs to Cottage, Lowry Bay Digging and grubbing 4 7-10 acres of Lowry Bay Domain, erecting Laundry, fencing Pigstyes, &c. Wanganui Custom House Marton Court Native Hostelry repairs Court House, Palmerston Additions to Public Works Offices Barrel Drain, Sydney Street Alterations, Ac, to the old Legislative Council Chamber Additions to Printing Office Opotiki Court House Miscellaneous Works, &c. £ s. d. 3,873 7 7 1,104 14 9 1,901 7 2 5,218 1 11 6,320 1 3 2,805 5 8 £ s. d. 649 18 6 1,101 14 9 1,961 7 2 2,158 4 0 1,936 16 5 2,482 3 8 3,771 16 0 3,771 10 0 2,488 15 0 2,885 15 7 502 18 6 1,002 IS 9 262 12 6 223 12 2 210 1 6 304 3 10 526 5 8 580 2 3 399 5 8 358 13 6 471 0 7 58 10 0 2,488 15 0 2,255 15 7 502 18 6 1,002 18 9 202 12 6 223 12 2 210 1 6 304 3 10 504 5 8 555 18 3 380 2 8 358 13 6 471 0 7 58 10 0 860 6 9 743 5 0 539 4 0 223 15 0 220 7 6 604 5 0 325 17 0 349 5 0 1,000 0 0 250 0 0 10,965 2 5 529 7 9 719 16 0 539 4 0 223 15 0 220 7 6 572 6 0 309 16 0 6 5 0 10,965 2 5 £51,410 17 0 £37,730 3 6