PAPERS RELATIVE TO HOLDING THE SESSION OF PARLIAMENT AT DUNEDIN.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1872 Session I, G-09

G—No. 9.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO HOLDING THE SESSION OF PARLIAMENT AT DUNEDIN.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OP THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON.

1872.

G.—No. 9,

No. 1. Mr. W. H. Clayton to the Hon. W. GisßOßins. Sic,— Colonial Architect's Office, 30th November, 1871. I beg to return the draft instructions of my proposed visit to the South, for the purpose of reporting on the accommodation available for the holding of a Session of Parliament in Dunedin. I am well acquainted with the requirements of the two Houses, and attach minutes from the Hon. Colonial Treasurer and the Under Secretary for Public Works, enumerating the rooms required by their Departments. Tour own Department requires three rooms. The Defence Minister is out of town, but I assume three rooms sufficient; and two for the Hon. the Premier, independently of a Ministers' room in connection with the House. I should be glad of further information respecting the Printing Department. I have, &c, W. H. Clayton, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Colonial Architect.

No. 2. The Hon. W. Gisboene to the Hon. Major Bichabdson. (No. 615.) Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1871. I have the honor to inform you that the Colonial Architect proceeds to Dunedin by the s.s. " Taranaki" to-day, to report on the accommodation to be obtained there for the Houses of Assembly and Government Departments, in the event of the Government deciding to hold next Session of Parliament at that place. Major Campbell, the Clerk of Parliaments, will accompany Mr. Clayton, for the purpose of reporting specially on the requirements of the branches of the Legislature. I have, &c, The Hon. the Speaker of the Legislative Council, Dunedin. W. Gisboene. (Similar letter to the Hon. the Speaker of the House of Representatives.)

No. 3. Mr. G. S. Ooopek to Major Campbell. (No. 612.) SlB, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1871. I have the honor, by the direction of Mr. Gisborne, to request that you will proceed to Dunedin in company with Mr. Clayton, the Colonial Architect, for the purpose of reporting on the accommodation to be had there for the two branches of the Legislature, in the event of the Government deciding to summon the next Session of Parliament there. I have, &c, G. S. Coopee, Major Campbell, Clerk of Parliaments, Wellington. Under Secretary.

No 4. Mr. G-. 8. Coopbe to Mr. W. H. Clayton. (No. G13.) Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1871. I nave the honor, by direction of Mr. Q-isborne, to transmit to you the accompanying Memorandum of Instructions in reference to the accommodation necessary to be provided at Dunedin, in the event of the next Session of the Assembly being held there; and I am to request you to be good enough to proceed to Dunedin in the s.s. "Taranaki," which leaves Wellington to-day, and to carry out the instructions contained in the Memorandum. 1 have, &c, G. S. Coopee, The Colonial Architect, "Wellington. Under Secretary.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO HOLDING SESSION OF PARLIAMENT AT DUNEDIN.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO HOLDING

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Enclosure in No. 4. Memobandtjm of Instbuctions for the Colonial Abchiteot. The Colonial Architect will be so good as to proceed to Dunedin for the purpose of reporting upon the accommodation available for holding a Session of the General Assembly there. Appended hereto are memoranda concerning the accommodation required for each of the Houses, and also for the Government and Departmental officers. It is not absolutely necessary that the Houses should meet under one roof, although it is of course desirable that their places of meeting should be as near to each other as is possible. Accommodation will be required for the Printing Department, but it may, if necessary, be in a separate building. The Colonial Architect will consult the Speakers of the Legislative Council and of the House of [Representatives, and all Members of the Assembly who may be in or near Dunedin at the time of his visit, upon the subject generally. The Colonial Architect will furnish to the Colonial Treasurer an estimate of the total expenditure required to provide the accommodation stated, bearing in mind that whilst it is necessary proper conveniences should be supplied for the Assembly, the Government, and the Departments, it is desirable that as little expense as possible should be incurred. The Colonial Architect is at liberty to communicate from time to time with the Provincial Government of Otago for the purpose of ascertaining whether any of the expenditure which may be necessary will be borne by that Government. It is however necessary that any Provincial expense should, as far as ascertainable, be estimated for and communicated by the Colonial Architect to the Colonial Treasurer, in order that he may see what is the whole exceptional amount of Public Funds likely to be required for holding a Session at Dunedin. Major Campbell, the Clerk of Parliaments, will accompany the Colonial Architect to Dunedin, to advise him as to the accommodation required for the Legislature. Wellington, 4th December, 1871. W. Gisbobne.

Sub-Enclosures to Enclosure in No. 4. Sic,— Colonial Architect's Office, 30th November, 1871. I am requested by the Hon. the Colonial Secretary to inquire of you the amount of accommodation your Department will require in the event of the next Session of Parliament being held in Dunedin. Please state the number of rooms, and for what purpose required. I have, &c, J. Knowles, Esq., W. H. Clayton, Under Secretary, Public Works Department. Colonial Architect.

Mr. Clayton,— 30th November, 1871. There would be required — 1. A room for the Engineer. 2. A room for the exhibition of plans, &c, which, if large enough, would also accommodate a draughtsman. • 3. A room for the Clerk and Accountant. 4 I suppose I should remain in Wellington; but if, as I understand from you, it may not be so, then I should want a small room, or if the Engineer's room was large enough, I could occupy a portion of it. J. Knowles.

Sic, — Colonial Architect's Office, 30th November, 1871. I am requested by the Hon. the Colonial Secretary to place myself in communication with Ministers, in order to ascertain the amount of accommodation each Department will require, provided the next meeting of Parliament is held in Dunedin. Will you oblige by letting me know the number of rooms likely to be required by your Departments. I have, &c, W. H. Clayton, The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer. Colonial Architect.

IWr rooms, communicating or closely contiguous, will be the least required by my Departments. -Julius Vogel.

Sib, — Legislative Council, 30th November, 1871. At the request of the Hon. Mr. Gisborne, I have the honor to forward you the enclosed memorandum relative to the accommodation required for the Legislative Council. I have, &c, W. H. Clayton, Esq., L. Stowe, Colonial Architect, Wellington. Clerk, Legislative Council.

Memokandtjm for Colonial Aeciiitect. The Legislative Council will require Council Chambers-room for, say, forty-five Members. Speaker's room and dressing-room.

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Committee rooms—at least three, not less in size than those suggested in the Colonial Architect's Eeport, 1871. One waiting room for strangers and witnesses. Clerks' offices. Three rooms, at least one of which must be not less than 16 ft. x 12 ft., all communicating. One messengers' room. L. Stowe, Clerk, Legislative Council.

Report on Accommodation required for Government Printing in Dunedin. Should the work of printing Hansard and the chief Parliamentary Papers and Bills be required to be done at a branch of the Government Printing Office in Dunedin, it will be necessary to provide the following accommodation ;— Corn-posing Rooms.— Two large rooms, one 30x60 ft., the other 30x40 ft. Side light will be required, with a space of about 5 ft. between each window. Reading Rooms.—Three rooms, about 10x10 ft., are requred. One for press reader, and two for first proof reading. Machine and Press Room.—One room, 30 x 25 ft., will be sufficient for this purpose. Government Printer's Office. —One room, 15 X 13 ft. Clerk's Office.—One room, 15 xl 2 ft. This can also be used as a publishing office. Wetting Room.—A shed, for this purpose, should be provided in the rear of the building. To perform the work above specified, a staff of about sixty men and boys will be required. The space estimated for above will be sufficient for the accommodation of a staff of that number. An estimate of the type, material, and machinery required will shortly be completed. Geo. Didsbuex, 4th December, 1871. Government Printer.

Accommodation required for General Assembly Library. Political and Social Sciences—4 x 10 ft. Jurisprudence— Statutes, 4 x 7 ft. =28 ft. Treatises on Law and Laws, 4x7 ft.=2B ft. Parliamentary History and Proceedure— Imperial Journals and Papers, BxB ft.= 64 ft. Colonial „ „ „ (namely, South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria) BxBft.-64ft. New Zealand General and Provincial, 10 X 4 ft. =40 ft. Proceedure and Speeches, 12 x 12 ft. (Hansard, &c.) = 144 ft. Annual Eegister, and General Books of Eeference, 4x7 ft.=2B ft. The above is the utmost room which would be required for Books of Eeference. 3-28 = 84 2-64=128 40 144 396

No. 5. Mr. W. H. Clayton to the Hon. W. Gisbobhe. Sib,— Wellington, Bth January, 1872. On the 4th of December last I proceeded to Dunedin, according to your instructions of that date, for the purpose of inquiring into and reporting upon the accommodation available for holding a Session of the General Assembly in that city. I arrived on the 6th, and on the following day waited upon His Honor the Superintendent, who was unable to see me until the Bth, when we inspected the Provincial Council Hall and University Building together. I immediately addressed an official letter (No. 1 attached) to His Honor, as well as circulars to the Speakers and all the Members of both Houses in and for Otago and Southland. On the 11th I received Mr. Macandrew's reply (see A), from which it will be gathered that the Provincial Council Hall and the rooms in connection with it would be absolutely set aside for the purpose of the Upper House, but the letter contained nothing definite respecting the University Building, in which it was contemplated to locate the House of Bepresentatives, nor could anything be decided until after a meeting of the University Council had been held, which was fixed for the following Friday. During this interval information reached me that Fernhill, which from the first was considered as the settled residence for the Governor, had been leased to Mr. Charles Nichols. This rendered it necessary for me to search for some other house. After doing so, and finding it impossible to obtain any residence for His Excellency so suitable as Mr. Biss's house, I addressed Mr. Nichols by letter No. 2, and received a reply (B), from which it appears the bargain had not been definitely concluded, a difficulty having arisen through some misunderstanding between the parties treating. 2

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As Mr. Nichols claimed to have taken the property, litigation was threatened, and legal notice was sent to me respecting his claim ; but prior to receiving it I had written a letter (No. 3) to the Superintendent, in order to bring this part of my mission to an issue. The reply (C) of the same date, settled the matter as regarded the University, but Pernhill remained as before. Being assured by both sides that the House would be placed at my disposal whether the Superintendent or Mr. Nichols became the tenant of Mr. Biss, I determined to proceed with the measuring plans, estimates, &c, until the 27th, when, in consequence of a conversation with Mr. Biss, I was led to the conclusion that the Provincial authorities had finally secured the property, and thereupon wrote again (No. 4) to His Honor, and received a satisfactory reply (D) on the afternoon of the same day. Mr. Macandrew's proposal to accommodate the Upper House in the Provincial Council Hall is quite satisfactory, it being well arranged and comfortably seated for forty members, exclusive of the Executive. The dimensions of the hall are 82 ft. X3l ft., and the fittings appropriate as well as handsome. There are also in connection with it two rooms, each 19 ft. Xl 7 ft., six rooms 17 ft. Xl 3 ft., and one 44 X 15 ft., all furnished and ready for occupation. The Hall is fitted with a gallery to hold 140 strangers, Speaker's Gallery to hold 20, besides a Reporters' Gallery. These apartments form portion of the Provincial Public Buildings, and are situated on the south side of Water Street, whence they are approached by a flight of stone steps and paved terrace thirteen feet wide. The University Building (plans of which are attached) is on the opposite or northern side of Water Street, which is one chain wide; and in the estimates submitted herewith, provision is made for a bridge to connect both Houses at the level of the terrace, leaving twelve feet of head room under the bridge for the traffic of Water Street. The cost of this passage of communication would be £310; and if it can be dispensed with, that amount could be deducted from the estimates. The Hon. Mr. Bell, however, considers it absolutely required; and it may be of some importance to mention that by having it, the Lobbies, Bellamy's, the Smoking Eoom, Library, and Beading Boom, &c, would be common to both Houses, and some expense in this direction would be saved. The House of Bepresentatives could be arranged for in the central hall of the University ; and by inspecting the plans it will be observed that the accommodation throughout the building is not only ample but convenient. The hall itself measures 60 ft. X 40 ft. and 30 ft. high ; it is well lighted, but the ventilation requires improving, which my estimates provide for. The size of the House of Bepresentatives in Wellington being 50 ft. X 25 ft., will enable you to judge by comparison of the sufficiency of the floor space. As the University Council have made it a condition not to injure the hall more than necessary, and stipulated that it is to be given up in a like condition to what it is at present, I have arranged the gallery accommodation clea? of the walls, the only connection being by iron bolts here and there, securing the galleries to the walls. On the floor of the House there would be a passage on each side between the seats and the wall; and as I propose that the House and Bellamy's should be warmed by removing the hot-water apparatus from Wellington, the pipes could be placed under a raised platform, on which the back seats would stand. There would be gallery space for fifty ladies, forty Councillors, one hundred and thirty strangers and ten reporters, with a separate entrance and staircase to each gallery. Ample provision could be conveniently arranged for Bellamy's, the Lobbies, Smoking Boom, Lavatory, &c. With reference to Bellamy's, I have ascertained that caterers can be found to undertake that department without requiring kitchens, &c, in the building ; but if it be considered necessary to cook on the spot, sufficient room could be arranged without difficulty in the rooms under Bellamy's, at an extra cost of say £75. The accommodation for Committees would consist of one room 30 ft. x2l ft., three rooms each 16 ft. x 14 ft., and one other 16 ft. x lift. The Speaker's room would be to the right of the chair, and entered either directly from the House or from the east corridor ; its dimensions are 30 ft. X 21 ft. The Premier's and Executive Office is close by the Chair and Treasury Benches, with an ante or Secretary's room adjoining and communicating; the dimensions of the former are 26 ft. x 18 ft., and of the latter, 16 ft. x 11 ft. The entrance for Members would be from Water Street, under an arcade 76 ft. Xl 9 ft., from which there are doors to the Lobbies, Bellamy's, and the Smoking Boom. Another arcade, 84 ft. X 15 ft., faces the west or Princes Street, the Smoking Boom having a second entrance from it at the south end, and the Private Bills Office entrance being at the north end. The Clerk to Parliaments would be provided for close by the Speaker's chair and office, with two rooms 16ft. x 14ft. each, one 18ft. x 16ft., and one 16ft. x lift. The approach to the upper floor completes the description of the ground floor, which is by a spacious staircase from the Western Arcade. The only accommodation required for the Assembly on the upper floor would be a Library and Beading Boom, which Major Campbell prefers upstairs, as being removed from the noise and bustle of the House. The dimensions of the Library are 43 ft. x 21 ft., and of the Beading Boom 28 ft. x 24 ft. The distribution of the apartments appropriated to Parliament is concurred in by Major Campbell.

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The total cost of adapting the building to the requirements of the Assembly would be £616 Is. 6d., besides which £594 16s 3d. are necessary to put portions of the building in a habitable condition. The remainder of the upper floor can be arranged for the offices of the Government at a cost of £119 18s. 4d. There are twelve rooms designed and estimated for, but they may be increased to fifteen by erecting cross partitions, although I am of opinion the arrangement shown by the plan would be found sufficient. In the estimate of £119 Bs. 4d. I include a sum of £60 7s. Bd. as necessary to furnish the rooms for their present purpose, leaving £59 10s. Bd. fairly chargeable to alterations or additions for the Executive Offices. The existing closet accommodation is both inferior and insufficient, and my estimates of £214 17s. provide for six new brick patent water-closets and six urinals in an enclosed and asphalted yard, so arranged as to bo approached only from the east and west corridors, and therefore may be kept for the sole use of Members, the Executive, and officers connected therewith; and as this expenditure is necessary to complete the premises for the requirements of the University, it cannot be fairly considered as required only in the event of the Assembly visiting Dunedin. The Printing Department would find sufficient room in the ground floor of the east end, where, on account of the nature of the site, the building is three stories in height. The floor space occupied in Wellington by this branch, prior to the last addition, amounted to 2,574 superficial feet, and the area available in Dunedin would be 2,503 feet; in addition to which there is a yard containing 1494 square feet, where I propose a portable steam engine might be placed for working the presses, &c, which can be hired for the Session of sixteen weeks for £24. The cost of adapting this part of the building for Parliamentary printing would be £76 17s. 6d., the whole of which may be regarded as necessary to finish the apartments for any habitable purpose. Gas and water are already laid on; and their extension, where required, has been taken into account in my estimates. Attached hereto will be found estimates in detail of the whole expenditure, which may be summarized as follows: — £ s. d. £ s. d. Alterations for the Legislative Council and House of ... ... ... ... 564 1 6 Bridge over Water Street ... ... ... 310 19 0 Executive Offices ... ... ... ... 59 10 8 Hot Water Apparatus ... ... ... ... 70 0 0 Hire of Steam Engine ... ... ... ... 24 0 0 1,028 11 2 Required to finish — Connected with Houses... ... ... ... 379 19 3 Printing ... ... ... 76 17 6 Closets, <fee. ... ... ... 214 17 0 Executive Offices... ... ... 60 7 8 732 1 5 Furniture- — Matting, Druggets, &c.—House ... ... ... 311 13 6 „ „ Executive ... ... 102 13 9 Hire of Furniture ... ... ... ... 90 0 0 504 7 3 £2,264 19 10 | The Provincial Government having taken Fernhill on lease for five years as a residence for the Governor when visiting Dunedin, I take it that any expenditure in this direction would not be chargeable against a vote for Parliamentary expenses for one Session: but, if considered otherwise, a rental of £10 per week would be a fair charge for the house and furniture, and, supposing the Session to last the usual time, £160 might be allowed. Furniture would also form an item of expense, for which I have allowed £90 in the above estimate ; but I have assumed that all belonging to the House, Committee Booms, Bellamy's, Galleries, Clerk to Parliament's Offices, &c, would be sent from Wellington in the " Luna." From inquiries I have made, I have no doubt but that sufficient other furniture could be hired in Dunedin for the Session at a probable cost of £90. The item of travelling allowances to the officers who would accompany the Executive would also form an exceptional expenditure. I estimate that the gross amount of salaries of such officers would amount to about £8,000 per annum, the allowance upon which, at the usual rate, would amount to £2,128 for sixteen weeks. Assuming that all officers would travel by the " Luna," the passage money has not been taken to account. The expenses connected with the preliminary inquiries made by the Clerk to Parliaments and Colonial Architect amount to about £75. As it is expected to accommodate the "University in the Custom House and Provincial Buildings, there would not be any charges under this head. Hoping this report, with the plans, correspondence, and estimates attached, will be found sufficiently comprehensive for the purposes of the Government, I have, &c, W. H. Clayton, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Colonial Architect.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO HOLDING

Enclosure 1 in No. 5. Mr. W. H. Clayton to His Honor J. Macanbeew. Sib, — Custom House, Dunedin, Bth December, 1871. In accordance with instructions from the Hon. Colonial Secretary, I am now in Dunedin for the purpose of reporting upon the accommodation available for holding a Session of the General Assembly in this city. Will you oblige by assisting me to carry out these instructions, and inform me whether the Provincial Government are prepared to offer what is required; and if so, to state what buildings are proposed to bjg entirely or partially set apart for the purpose; and if the latter, what portions of such building or buildings will be available. I have, &c, W. H. Clayton, His Honor the Superintendent. Colonial Architect.

Enclosure 2 in No. 5. —(A.) Mr. A. Willis to Mr. W. H. Clayton. Sic, — Provincial Secretary's Office, Dunedin, 11th December, 1871. I have been directed by His Honor the Superintendent to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, and in reply to inform you that the Government is prepared to place at the disposal of the General Assembly during its proposed sitting in Dunedin, the Provincial Council Chamber with all the rooms connected therewith, together with the large rooms next the Eesident Magistrate's Court. I am to add that His Honor has also made formal application to the Otago University Council for the use of the whole of the University Building, and that a meeting of the Council has been summoned for the purpose of deciding upon it, and that His Honor has every reason to believe that the building will be placed at the disposal of the Colonial Legislature. I have, &c. Alex. Willis, W. H. Clayton, Esq., Colonial Architect. Under Secretary.

Enclosure 8 in No. 5. Mr. W. H. Clayton to Mr. C. Nichols. Deab Sic,— _ Custom House, Dunedin, 19th December, 1871. It being a part of my business in Dunedin to ascertain what accommodation can be obtained for the Governor in the event of the Session of the General Assembly being held here : May I ask whether you would be disposed to give up Fernhill as a residence for His Excellency for about four months, say from the middle of May to the middle of September, 1872 ; and if so, will you oblige by informing me about what expense the Colony would be put to in the item of the rent. Perhaps you could also give an approximate estimate of the furniture required, over and above what would be let with the house. I wish to be able to report to the General Government the total expenditure necessary as nearly as possible. * I remain, &c, Charles Nichols, Esq. W. H. Clayton.

Enclosure 4 in No. 5.—(8.) Mr. C. Nichols to Mr. W. H. Clayton. Deae Sic,— Dunedin, 21st December, 1872. Tours of 19th instant, requesting to know if I would give up Fernhill as a residence for the Governor for a term of about four months during the Session of the General Assembly, has had my careful attention, and my desire was to comply with your request, but an unforeseen difficulty has arisen, which for the moment prevents my naming terms, or the other particulars desired by you. Mr. Biss appears inclined to break faith with me, and the matter is likely to become the subject of litigation ; and until i see my way a little more clearly, I cannot now give you a definite offer" of the property. _ Should I succeed (as I have no doubt I shall) in establishing my right to treat with the property, I will at once communicate with you, with a view to placing it at the disposal of His Excellency for the time specified. I am, &c, V. H. Clayton, Esq., Dunedin. Chas. Nichols.

Enclosure 5 In No. 5. Mr. W. H. Clayton to His Honor J. Macandeew. ®m > — , Custom House, Dunedin, 21st December, 1871. In conversation with you yesterday, I understood that the Provincial Government had taken on lease the Pernhill. property as a residence for the Governor. Since then I have received a letter from Mr. Nichols, who appears to claim the right to treat with the property.

G.—No. 9.

Will you oblige by informing me officially whether the Provincial Government have definitely arranged, and if so, what would be considered a fair rental for the house and furniture. Will you also inform me officially, as you bave already done verbally, that the whole of the University Building will be placed at the disposal of the General Government, if the next Session of the Assembly be held in Dunedin. As the cost of providing other accommodation for the University during the Session would form part of the expense connected with the removal of Parliament, will you inform me approximately what the expense will amount to. I have, &c, TV". H. Clayton, His Honor the Superintendent. Colonial Architect.

Enclosure 6 in No. 5. —(C.) Mr. A. "Willis to Mr. TV". H. Clayton. Sic, —■ Provincial Secretary's Office, Dunedin, 21st December, 1871. With reference to the University Building being handed over to the Colonial Legislature during the proposed Session in Dunedin, I am. directed by His Honor the Superintendent to inform you that the University Council, while very desirous that matters should be so arranged as to allow the University Classes the use of the upper floor, yet if this cannot be done they have agreed to relinquish the whole of the building for the time being, on condition that suitable accommodation for the classes be found elsewhere. If, therefore, you cannot dispense with the upper floor, the Provincial Government will be prepared to find the necessary accommodation elsewhere, so that the whole will be placed at your disposal, it being understood that the building will be handed over to the University at the termination of the Session in every respect in as good a condition as it is now in. I have, &c, Alex. Willis, W. H. Clayton, Esq., Colonial Architect. Under Secretary.

Enclosure 7 in No. 5. Mr. W. H. Clayton to His Honor J. Macandbew. Sxn, — Custom House, 27th December, 1871. I understand from Mr. Biss that the Provincial Government have leased Fernhill. Will you oblige by letting me have official intimation as soon as possible, in order that I may be able to report that it is available for the Governor's residence, in event of the next Session of the Assembly being held in Dunedin. I have, &c, TV". H. Clayton, His Honor the Superintendent. Colonial Architect.

Enclosure 8 in No. 5.—(D.) Mr. J. Logan to Mr. W. H. Clayton. Sra, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 27th December, 1871. I am directed by His Honor the Superintendent, in reply to your letter of to-day's date, to state that the Provincial Government has leased Fernhill, and that the General Government has been informed that the House is at the disposal of His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, John Logan, W. H. Clayton, Esq., Colonial Architect. Secretary to Superintendent.

Enclosure 9 in No. 5. Mr. G. E. Babton to Mr. W. H. Clayton. Sir,— Dunedin, 22nd December, 1871. , I am instructed by Mr. Chas. Nichols to send the enclosed copies of letters, namely, 12th December, 1871, from Mr. James Mills to Mr. Eattray, and 21st December, 187.1, from myself to Mr. Biss. I am instructed to send you these enclosures, in order that you.may have unquestionable notice of Mr. Nichols' claim to have possession of Fernhill, as tenant thereof, and also in order that if any arrangement in derogation of' Mr. Nichols' right be made by Mr. Biss and Mr. Mills with you or the Provincial Government, Mr Nichols may be enabled to treat that arrangement as a trust for him, or void as against him. I have &c, W. H. Clayton, Esq. G. Elliott Baeton.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 9 in No. 5. Mr. C, J. Mills to Mr. J. Eattkay. Djeae Sib,— Dunedin, 12th December, 1871. Eeferring to our several conversations yesterday and to-day, I now place Fernhill under offer to Mr, Nichols on the following terms ; — 3

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Term, five years: rent, £200 per annum. Tenant to pay all taxes and all repairs during the currency of lease, and to lay on gas, and paint or paper the principal rooms at his own expense; the furniture in the front drawing room, dining room, and hall, as specified in the list already furnished, together with the carpets and mirrors in the back drawing-room, and chief bed-rooms to be taken over at a valuation, One valuator appointed by each party, and an umpire, if necessary, by the two so chosen. Tenant not to sublet or alter the plan of the ground without permission in writing from the trustees. Tenancy to commence on the Ist March next. Valuation to be made during last week in January. The cottages can also be taken over at a yearly rent of £25 and taxes. I have, &c, C. J. Mills, James Rattray, Esq. On behalf of the Trustees and Mr. Biss.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 9 in No. 5. Mr. G. E. Baeton to Mr. C. Y. Biss. g IE Dunedin, 21st December, 1871. I am instructed by Mr. Chas. Nichols to communicate with you respecting Eernhill, which, by letter dated 12th December, 1871, you placed under offer to him of lease, which offer he forthwith accepted verbally. It is true that he, at the request of Mr. Mills, your agent, added to a written acceptance dated 13th December, 1871, which he gave that gentleman, the words, " the rent to date from 31st March ;" but the understanding with Mr. Mills was, that the addition was only made for the purpose of his seeking to obtain your approval of it, and, if disapproved, the contract was to remain as it stood in your offer without any condition. Mr. Nichols was surprised at receiving from Mr. Mills, after the lapse of seven days, a letter treating this written acceptance as a conditional acceptance, and a departure from the terms of the original offer. Mr. Nichols has heard, but refuses to believe it possible, that during these seven, days you were treating with the Provincial Government, and that when that negotiation turned out to your satisfaction, you elect to treat his acceptance of your offer as conditional, when it was in fact absolute. He prefers to believe that a misunderstanding has arisen, which Mr. Mills will be able to clear up—that when you find Mr. Nichols has fairly made a contract with you, you will abide by it. I hope you will view the matter in this light. I see by a letter from you to Mr. Mills (a copy of which was sent to Mr. Nichols) that you are in the hands of a legal, adviser^ and perhaps you may have been advised that any verbal acceptance by Mr. Nichols is insufficient to bind the contract. I beg to refer you for information on this subject to the case of Allen v. Bennett, 3 Taunt. 169 ; Edgerton v. Matthews, G East, 307; and Champion v. Hummer, 1 N. R. 252 ; which will show that a verbal acceptance enables the party so accepting to enforce the contract. As to the statement at foot of the written acceptance, which you treat as a new condition, you will find it clear law that such writing, if not intended to be part of the contract, unless approved by you, will not be treated as such, and for this I refer you to the case of Pym v. Campbell, 6 El. and B. 370. I write these particulars in the hope that by so doing litigation may be avoided, and that you will be advised so as not to compel a reference to the Court by Mr. Nichols to enforce his rights. I have, &c, C. T. Biss, Esq. &• Elliott Baeton.

No. 6. Mr. W. H. Clayton to the Hon. ~W. Gisbobne. g IE Custom House, Dunedin, 22nd December, 1871. I have the honor to inform you that I last evening received official intimation from the Provincial authorities that the University Building would be placed at the disposal of the General Government in the event of a Session of the Assembly being held here. It is also very probable that Fernhill will be taken by the Provincial Government as a residence for His Excellency the Governor. Major Campbell leaves by the " Wellington " to-day, and takes with him a copy of the Superintendent's letter referring to the University Building. I hope to complete my measurements, plans, and estimates in a few days ; and hope to be in "Wellington by the end of this month. I have, &c, W. H. CIATTOIf, The Hon. Colonial Secretary. Colonial Architect.

No. 7. Estimate for Altering the University Building, Dunedin, into House of Representatives. Peintee's Depabtment. £ s. d. £ s. d. 232 superficial yards of asphalte at 2s. 6d. per yard ... ... 29 0 0 2,084 „ feet i-inch lining to ceiling, P.W., at 20s. per 100 feet 21 0 0 310 „ yards distemper walls ... ... ... ■•■ 317 G 2 ledge doors at 30s. ... ... ... ... ••• 3 0 0 Laying on gas ... ... ... ... ... ••■ 20 0 0 J b ° ijq jy o

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House of Repeesemtatives. Galleries and Sail. P n , £ a. a. £ s. d. 5,250 superficial feet scantling, at 20s. per 100 feet ... ... 52 10 0 1,750 „ „ flooring, at 17s. per 100 feet ... ... ... 23 12 6 400 „ „ T. and G-. partitions, at Is. per foot ... ... 20 0 0 1,900 „ „ |T. and G-. flooring, at 19s. per 100 feet ... 19 0 0 360 „ „ filling in arches, at Is. per foot ... ... 18 0 0 504 „ raised platforms, at 80s. per 100 feet ... 20 0 0 201 „ gallery front, at 2s. Gd. per foot ... ... 25 2 6 173 „ „ cornice to gallery front, at Is. per f00t... ... 8 10 0 84 lineal „ capping, at Is. per foot ... ... ... 4 4 0 283 „ „ seats ' ... ... ... ... ... 14 3 0 76 „ ~ „ extra, to ladies, at 2s. per foot ... ... 712 0 6 small dwarf doors, at 20s. each ... ... ... ... 600 115 lineal feet capping, at Is. per foot ... ... ... ... 5 15 0 70 steps to stairs ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 0 0 214 lbs. wrought iron, at 6d. per lb. ... ... ... ... 570 8,500 „ cast „ at 3d. per lb. ... ... ... ... 81 5 0 300 superficial yards of varnish, at Is. per yard ... ... ... 15 0 0 7 swing doors, at 60s. each ... ... ... ... ... 21 0 0 397 i o Bridge of Communication. 8,150 superficial feet of scantling, at 20s. per 100 feet ... ... 81 10 0 2,750 „ „ weatherboards, at 20s. per 100 feet... ... 41 5 0 900 „ „ "W.P. flooring. T. and Gh, at 275. per 100 feet 12 3 0 1,200 „ „ inch scantling, at 20s. per 100 feet ... ... 12 0 0 2,850 „ „ iT. & G-. lining, at 20s. per 100 feet ... 26 10 0 200 „ „ fascine and saflile ... ... ... 3 0 0 252 lbs, of milled lead, at 6d. each ... ... ... ... 6 6 0 110 sheets of 5-feet Scotch irons, at 7s. per sheet ... ... 38 10 0 380 lineal feet of ridge gutters, &c., at Is. per foot. ... ... 19 0 0 1,170 lbs. of wrought iron, at 6d. per lb. ... ... ... 29 5 0 6 windows, at 60s. each ... ... ... ... ... 18 0 0 1 door, at 80s. ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 0 17 steps, 9 feet long, at 20s. each ... ... ... ... 17 0 0 4 cube yards of excavating, at 2s. 6d. per pard ... ... 0 10 0 310 19 0 Offices in connection with Souses. 200 superficial yards of plaster, at 2s. 6d. per yard ... ... 25 0 0 1,081 „ „ whitening ceiling, at 2d. per yard ... ... 8 8 6 4,663 „ „ distemper walls, at 3d. per yard ... ... 58 5 9 480 „ feet red pine, lobbies, varnished, at 2s. 6d. per foot ... 60 0 0 10 pairs Clark's swing hinges, at 255. per pair ... ... ... 12 10 0 20 brass handles, at ss. each ... ... ... ... 500 90 superficial feet ceiling to lobbies, at Is. 6d. per foot ... ... 6 15 0 400 „ ~ bookcases, at Is. per foot ... ... ... 20 0 0 Mantelpieces ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 0 0 8 new doors, complete, ac 80s. each ... ... ... ... 32 0 0 22 squares new partitions, at 80s. each ... .... ... 88 0 0 Scrim and papers 210 lineal feet, 11 skirting, at 9d. per foot ... ... ... 7 17 6 33 blinds and rollers, at 20s. each ... ... ... 33 0 0 4 new doors and partitions, at £3 each ... ... ... 1200 80 hat and cloak pegs, at Is. each ... ... ... 400 63 Superficial feet breaking out openings, at Is. per foot 3 3 0 4 Urinals to remove ... ... ... ... ... 400 Grates and fireplaces ... ... ... ... ... 98 0 0 G-asaliers ... ... ... ... ... ... 56 0 0 Repairs to walls, floors, &c. ... ... ... ... 2 0 0 546 19 9 Furniture. 1,294 Superficial yards matting, at 3s. 3d. per yard ... ... 210 5 6 282 superficial yards drugget, at 4s. per yard ... ... 56 8 0 Half-rental of furniture ... ... ... ... ... 45 0 0 311 13 6 Outsides. SO cubic yards excavating, at 2s. per yard ... ... ... 300 11 lineal feet 8-feet iron fence, at ss. per foot ... ... ... 2 15 0 177 superficial feet enclosing landings, at Is. per yard ... ... 517 0 6 patent water-closets, at £20 each ... ... ... ... 120 0 0 6 urinals ... ... ... ... ... ... 60 0 0 28 steps to outer stairs, at 10s. ... ... ... ... 14 0 0 50 superficial yards asphalte, at 2s. 6d, per yard ... ... 650 — —- 214 17 0

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO HOLDING

Hot- Water Apparatus. £ s. d. £ s. d. Eemovalof pipes, furnaces, &c., from Wellington ... ... 50 0 0 4 revolving ventilators ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 0 70 0 0 Total for the Assembly ... ... ... £1,927 7 9 Executive Offices. 271 superficial yards whiting ceilings, at 2d. per yard ... ... 2 5 2 1054 „ „ distemper walls, at 3d. per yard ... ... 13 3 6 10f squares of new partitions, at £4 per square ... ... 48 0 0 186 feet lineal 9-inch skirtings, at Bd. per foot ... ... ... 4108 4 new doors in partitions, at £3 each ... ... ... ... 12 0 0 13 blinds and rollers, at 20s. each ... ... ... ... 13 0 0 64 superficial feet casing clock-weights, at Is. each ... ... 3 4 0 Gasaliers ... ... ... ... ... ..-. 12 0 0 G-rates ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 0 Mantelpieces ... ... ... ... ... ... 515 0 Trap, pulleys, &c, Clock Tower ... ... ... ... 3 0 0 119 18 4 Furniture. 147 superficial yards matting, at 3s. 3d. per yard ... ... 23 17 9 169 „ „ drugget, at 4s. per yard ... ... ... 33 16 0 Half rental of furniture ... ... ... ... ... 45 0 0 _ 102 13 £2,150 19 10 Hire of furniture 90 0 0 Hire of steam engine ... ... ... ... ... 24 0 0 114 0 0 Total cost £2,264 19 10 W. H. Clayton, 3rd January, 1872. Colonial Architect. No. 8. Major Campbell to the Hon. W. Ghsßoium SlE,— Wellington, 25th December, 1871. In compliance with the instruction contained in your letter of the 4th instant, directing me to proceed to Dunedin. with the view of reporting on the accommodation available for the General Assembly, in the event of the next Session being held in that place—l have the honor to acquaint you that I proceeded there on the 6th instant, and on my arrival waited on His Honor the Superintendent, with the view of ascertaining if there were any buildings belonging to the Province which the Provincial G-overnment were prepared to place at the disposal of the Assembly. I was informed by His Honor, that the Provincial Government were willing to hand over for the purpose the Provincial Council Chamber, with the offices and rooms attached; and that the Provincial Government had made application to the authorities of the Otago University, requesting that body to place the University Building at the disposal of the General Assembly, in the event of the Session being held in Dunedin. After a delay of some days, I was informed that the Council of the University had acceded to this application!; and I have therefore the honor to report that, in my opinion, the amount of accommodation thus placed at the disposal of the Government for the accommodation of the two Houses of the Legislature is amply sufficient. The Provincial Council Chamber, with its offices and Committee rooms, would answer very well for the Legislative Council, without any alteration ; and the lower story, with two rooms on the upper story, of the University Building, will meet the requirements of the House of Eepresentatives. It would, of course, have been preferable that both Chambers should have sat under one roof, but there is no building in Dunedin in which such an amount of accommodation is to be found ; and as the buildings I have referred to are only separated by a street, I do not think much inconvenience would result. If, however, it should be considered desirable, I am informed that it will be quite practicable to construct a covered way or gallery from one building to the other, above the traffic of the street which separates them. I should add, that, in accordance with the terms of your letter, I was in communication with .the Colonial Architect while in Dunedin ; that we have gone over the University Building together, and that he will submit to the Government a plan of the building, with on estimate of the cost of such alterations as are necessary for the convenience of the House of Eepresentatives. I have, &c, F. E. Campbell, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Clerk of Parliaments.

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No. 9. Estimate of Additional Printing Machinery and Material required for executing Government Printing at Dunedin. Machinery, Sfe. 1 W. Dawson and Son's improved " Wharfedale " machine, double royal size, fitted £ s. d. with patent flyers, and also with gear for working by steam 180 0 0 1 Donnison and Son's improved galley proof press ... ... ... ... 6 6 0 1 " Minerva " jobbing machine, crown size ... ... ... ... ... 75 0 0 2 iron imposing surfaces, for treble royal, 72 by 31, with frame and drawers ... 37 16 0 1 improved rule and lead cutter ... ... ... ... ... ... 160 Type. Brevier (Figgins'No. LI), 2,000 lbs., at 2s. 3d. per lb. ... ... ... 225 0 0 Longprimer „ 2,500 „ 2s. „ ... ... ... 250 0 0 Pica „ 3,500 „ Is. 6d. „ ... ... ... 262 10 0 Nonpareil „ 200 „ 3s. Bd. „ ... ... ... 36 13 4 2-line nonpareil 5 „ 4s. 9d. „ ... ... ... 13 9 2-line bourgeois 7 „ 2s. Bd. „ ... ... ... 018 8 2-line longprimer 7 „ 2s. Bd.. „ ... ... ... 018 8 2-line pearl condensed 4 „ ss. 3d. ~ ... ... ... 10 0 2-line nonpareil condensed 6 „ 4s. 9d. „ ... ... ... 18 6 2-line brevier condensed 10 „ 3s. 3d. „ ... ... ... 112 6 2-line longprimer condensed 12 „ 2s. Bd. ~ ... ... ... 112 6 Cases. 4 double cases, at Bs. each ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 12 0 70 pair of cases, at 10s. per pair ... ... ... ... ... ... 35 0 0 Column Galleys. 30 16-inch brass-bottom, mahogany sides, 9 inches wide, at 17s. 6d. each ... ... 26 5 0 24 26-iuch brass-bottom, mahogany sides, at 12s. each ... ... ... ... 14 8 0 Wr•ought-Iron Chases. 3 pair double-royal chases, with movable bars ... ... ... ... 10 10 0 30 double-foolscap chases, , „ ... ... ... ... 40 10 0 20 wrought-iron jobbing chases ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 0 Leads. 200 lbs. 4to pica, at 9d. per lb. ... ... ... ... ... ... 7 10 0 200 „ 6to pica, at Is. '~ ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 150 „ Bto pica, at Is. 6d. per lb. ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 5 0 500 „ 6-em quotations, at 9d. per lb. ... ... ... ... ... 18 5 0 250 „ improved French metal furniture ... ... ... ... ... 10 8 4 Furniture. 30 dozen nonpareil reglets, at Is. 2d. per dozen ... ... ... ... 1 15 0 20 „ brevier „ ~ „ ... ... ... ... 13 4 30 „ longprimer „ ~ „ ... ... ... ... 115 0 30 „ pica „ ' „ ... ... ... ... 15 0 10 „ great primer reglets,at Is. 9d. ~ ... ... ... ... 017 6 15 „ broad, at 4s. 6d. „ ... ... ... ... 3 7 6 15 „ narrow, at 4s. „ ... ... ... ... 3 0 0 20 „ double-broad, at 6s. „ ... ... ... ... 6 0 0 25 ~ double-narrow, at 6s. „ ... ... ... ... 710 0 40 „ side sticks, yard long, at 4s. 6d. ~ ... ... ... ... 9 0 0 Composing Sticks. 25 composing sticks, 9-inch, at 9s. each ... ... ... ... ... 11 5 0 20 „ 7-inch, at Ss. each ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 0 Printing Ink. 24 tins Shack ell and Edwards, No. 1, at 15s. per tin ... ... ... ... 18 0 0 Brass Rule. 1 dozen 4to pica spring ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 7 0 0 1 case Bto pica spring (2554 ems and ens, stamped) ... ... ... ... 3100 Miscellaneous. 16 whole frames, with racks ... ... ... ... ... ... 28 0 0 3 mallets ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 10 6 4 planers ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 060 4 shooting-sticks, tipped and bound ... ... ... ... ... 16 0 1 dozen bodkins, in screw handles ... ... ... ... ... ... 060 4 lye brushes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 14 0 1 saw-block ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 3 6 1 paper-knife ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 010 0 1 pair shears ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 6 Koyal Arms ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 110 0 Total ... ... ... ... £1,285 10 7 G-eoege Didsbuex, Government Printer. 4