E.—B.

1875. NEW ZEALAND.

ERECTION OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN CHRISTCHURCH, (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO).

Seturn to an Order of the House of Eepresentalives, dated 25th August, 1875, " That there be laid before this House copies of all correspondence and telegrams between the Government and the Superintendent and Provincial Executive Council of Canterbury relative to the erection of Government buildings in the city of Christchurch."— (Mr. Webb.)

No. 1. His Honor the Stoeeintendent, Canterbury, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Superintendent's Office, Christchurch, Canterbury, N.Z., Sib,— 6th March, 1874. I have the honor to enclose copy of a resolution passed during the last session of the Provincial Council, expressing an opinion that competitive designs should be invited from architects for the General Government public offices to be erected in Christchurch, and that a Commission of three gentlemen be appointed to select the best design: the General Government and Provincial Government each to appoint one Commissioner, the two Commissioners to appoint the third. I should be glad to learn that the General Government agree to the proposal contained in the resolution. In the event of their doing so, I nominate, on behalf of the Provincial Government, Mr. C. C. Bowen. I would suggest that the Commission should be asked to draw up the general terms and description of building, with accommodation required, so as to guide the competing architects as to the character of the design to be approved. I have, &c, "W. Eolleston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Superintendent.

Enclosure in No. 1. Provincial Council Chambers, 22nd January, 1874. Resolution passed,—" That this Council is of opinion that competitive designs should be invited from architects for the General Government public offices to be erected in Christchurch, and that a Commission of three gentlemen be appointed to select the best design, the General Government and Provincial Government each to appoint one Commissioner, the two Commissioners to appoint the third."

No. 2. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet to His Honor the Superintendent, Canterbury. Sib,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 20th March, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, in which you enclose copy of a resolution of the Provincial Council recommending that the designs for public offices, proposed to be erected in Christchurch, bo submitted to competition; and "that a Commission of three