HON. MR MITCHELSON.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7187, 24 October 1888, Page 5

HON. MR MITCHELSON.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

In a short interview that one of our representatives had yesterday with tbe hon. the Minister of Public Works, he learned that Government are carrying out with all possible expediency the abolition of the Public Works Department. Under the present arrangements and proposals the whole of the officers engaged upon public works will be dispensed with at the expiration of the current loanUnder the present proposals the Railway Department takes over all constructive works, and works appertaining to tramways and private railways, ana also all correspondence in coanecwon therewith. The Survey Department takes over all roads, bridges, and the unemployed. The Colonial Secretary's Department will have control of departmental buildings, which are occupied by more than one department. This applies botn to the maintenance of old and the construction of new buildings. Each of the other departments will have control of its own building where such building is occupied by one department only. THE SUNNYSIDR ASYLUM. The hon. gentleman yesterday paid a visit to aud was ahown over the Sunnyside Asylum. He paid careful attention to that part which has been partially destroyed by dre, and had the spot pointed oat to him where the Are originated. The place was several feet from the C ward chimney, which was at first reported to he defective, and it is surmised that a burning piece of soot from this same chimney, which had been on Are, had fallen on to the roof, and had then been driven under by the strong wind blowing at the time. The Government will take immediate steps to have repairs effected, but until the debris is removed, In order that a complete examination may be made of the walls, plans of the new portion will not be draughted. Whatever style may be adopted, it is certain that some of the walls will be carried up to or above the roof. This would make each apartment almost fireproof, and abolish the flue in the roof that afforded such a free passage for the flames at the recent Are. As far as could be learned, t .c Hon. the Minister found that the repairs are not likely to be nearly as costly as was at first expected. It was reported that it would require something like J-15,000 or £16,000. After his visit he is inclined to the opinion tha,. they cau be done for about j_iU,QOO. The late Grovernment-had under consideration the question of the insurance ot publio buildings, and a scheme was drawn up for their insurance. This was submitted to the Fire Insurance Companies, who sent in their prices, which the Government decided they could not accept, as they would entail too heavy an expenditure annually.