BARRACKS.

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume IV, Issue 323, 10 February 1844, Page 2

BARRACKS.

We understand that Mr. Bennett, R.E., has decided on erecting the Barracks upon five acres selected by him for the purpose on Thorndon Flat. We regret, exceedingly that the gaol was not placed on that portion of Mount Cook appointed by Captain Smith, R.A, at the time he surveyed the Town. Mount Cook is unquestionably the best site in"Wellington for the Barracks. It overlooks the whole Town, and the sentry would always be ready to give the first alarm of fire, or of any other event likely to need immediate attention ; and an excellent parade ground might be provided in the neighbourhood of Mount Cook, on the town belt, near Mount Victoria. Had the gaol been placed in the place originally allotted for it, it would have been in the rear of the Barrack square, and under the immediate vigilance of the Military, without any inconvenience .to that force. The grievous blunder made by those who were consulted respecting -the proper spot for the gaol, we hope, will suggest to Government, the advantage of making known the .intention of erecting public .buildings dn future. If that course be pursued discussion will .ensue, and the settlers may be spared having the beautiful locality of their town rendered yet more unsightly by furthur display of unfitness to advise the Government. In placing *the gaol in its present position utility and beauty have equally been defied. Each day that we are compelled to see the gaol feelings of anger arise towards the impertinent person or persons who could propose placing it in its present position.

We have heard that Mr. Bennett still considers Mount Cook is the proper site for the Barracks ; and that he would place them there if the gaol did not prevent his so doing ; further that he would endeavour to take the materials of which the gaol is built, if the unsightly thing were levelled with the gi ound.

The gaol, on the spot it how occupies, .must ever be an eye sore ; we would therefore suggest to our fellow settlers the propriety of urging his Excellency, on his return, to sanction its removal. The loss which would accrue, in these hard times, might he pleaded for not complying with the request ; but we are sure if a deputation would assure his Excellency that the Government should not lose a farthing, he would be most happy to meet the wishes of the settlers. Every mind possessed of a feeling for the beautiful, must be outraged by the mode in which Mount Cook has been appropriated, and the sight cannot fail to be extremely offensive to his Excellency.

We must act now or never. If the barracks be erected on Thorndon Flat, they will remain there. Only a small portion of the gaol is erected, and we are confident if the colonists would ensure the Government against loss arising from the removal of the gaol, the nuisance would be got rid of. A small subscription would meet the expence, and we therefore urge the propriety of taking steps to provide a fund to meet the demand. If the present opportunity be neglected of correcting a great mistake, we feel confident it will hereafter be much regretted. We hope and trust our fellow settlers will evince their good taste by bestirring themselves in this matter. We will not appeal to their interest, though we could show that acting as we wish would be consulting it both directly and indirectly, as we consider there are higher and better feelings than those of mere profit, which it is wise to foster and encourage.