H.—37

1876. NEW ZEALAND.

NEW GENERAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY (REPORT OF ROYAL COMMISSION APPOINTED TO DECIDE UPON A PROPER SITE FOR.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

NO. 1. The Chaieman of the Commission to His Excellency the Govebnob. Mt Lobd Mabqttis — Wellington, 12th July, 1876. As Chairman of the Boyal Commission appointed to examine and decide upon a proper site for a new library, I have the honor to enclose our Eeport, and to forward herewith the plans therein referred to. I have, &c, The Most Honorable the Marquis of Normanby, J. Biciiabdson, Governor of New Zealand, &c. Chairman of Eoyal Commission. Enclosure in No. 1. To His Excellency the Most Noble the Marquis of Nobmanby, K.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand, &c. Mt Lobd, — We, Commissioners appointed on the 7th day of October, 1875, by Letters Patent under the hand of your Excellency and the Great Seal of the colony, to examine and decide upon a proper site for a new library, and to call for and decide upon designs for the same, beg to report, — That after mature deliberation, and having taken evidence upon the different questions, both with regard to the site and the material of the building, we have come to the conclusion that the plans submitted herewith are best calculated to carry out, in our opinion, the objects referred to in the Commission; and in that view we would suggest for your Excellency's approval that a vote for a sufficient amount to carry out the work should be submitted to Parliament during the present Session, and that the building should be at once proceeded with. The plans transmitted herewith, prepared by the Colonial Architect, will show the position selected, and are as follows: — I.—Basement. ll.—Ground Plan, showing the connection between the new building and the Legislative Council. lll.—First Floor. IV.—Eoof and Sections. V.—South and West Elevation. Vl.—Section on Line CD. Vll.—Section on Line EF. Estimated cost, £14,000. We cannot close our Eeport without again bringing under your Excellency's notice the danger to which the books are at present exposed, and the great loss which would be entailed upon the colony by their destruction. Daniel Pollen. Edwaed Eichaedson. J. Eichaedson. G. M. WATEEHOrSE. William Fitzheebeet. Bj Authority : Geobgs Didsbubt, Government Printer, Wellington. —1876. Price 3d.]