NORTHERN GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 807, 3 May 1910, Page 4

NORTHERN GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

— ■ . ♦ ■ ■--■ -. : .ON RETAINING IT; ' ' (By Tolecraph.—Special CorrescondenU Auckland, May 2. This morning a "Star" representative made inquiries to ascertain to what extent Government House, Auckland, has been used in the lost few years. The Prime Minister's statement that it ia only occupied on an average one month in the year is (says that journal) certainly not borne out by facts. In 1909 it was occupied for a little over four months; in 1908 it was in use for nearly seven months. During the year previous it was not occupied for so long a period, owing to the absence of Lady Flunket. in England. An average taken, during Lord Ranfurly's term of Governorship gives a period of occupation of a little more than three months per year, so that'it is incorrect to say that, during recent years at any rate, tho vice-regal residence in Auckland has not been fully appreciated. Another wrong impression created (says the "Star") is that Government House' in Auckland costs • the country a great deal to maintain. AH that it entails is the employment of a caretaker at ,£l5O per year, au assistant gardener at ,£125, and occasionally as. much casual labour as thp work in the garden may necessitate.'.'The Governor's'retinue is. maintained at his Excellency's own cost. The Dominion allows the King's representative an honorarium of ,-?5000-per year, but it is generally known that this sum never covers the actual expenditure of the Governor while m New Zealand, and that his private \ fortune is invariably drawn upon each year.

'. WHAT ITS FATE DEPENDS ON. (Uy Telccraph.—Vress Association.! ' Auckland, May 2. . Sir Joseph Ward, replying to a telegram from the Citizens' League protesting against tho removal of Government Hour* furniture, snys:—"The giving up ot tho prewnt sile for university purposes is dependent entirely upon assont by Parliament. In the event of the site being used for a university, allowance must be made for rental purposes for the new Govtrnoi in Auckland.. The house i 3 not being dismantled. In the event of Parliament not agreeing to establish a university on tho Government House site, the. house there will bo refurnished for tho use of the new. Governor. The intention of the Government was to .expend about ,£IOO,OOO or university purposes, and on such extension as the. mwth of the province inay require,"