E.-i

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pleasing exterior combined with the best internal arrangements for securing light, ventilation, good acoustics, and convenience. A contract has been let at Auckland for the conversion of the old Wesleyan Chapel, High Street, into a Eesident Magistrate's Court and offices. This work has been intrusted to a private architect. Sixteen contracts are in progress for the erection of police buildings —namely, at Carlyle, Inglewood, Waitotara, Waitara, Manutahi, Normanby, Tolago Bay, Awanui, Hamilton, Ohinemutu, Opotiki, Whakatane, Maketu, Tauranga, Katikati, and Warkworth. A contract has been let for additions to Her Majesty's Gaol, Wellington. The work is being pushed on, and the time for completion is fixed on the 25th August, 1880. Two contracts have been taken for works at the Lunatic Asylum, Wellington; both are in a forward state, and when completed greatly increased accommodation will be provided. The new west wing to the Whau Lunatic Asylum, Auckland, is being done under the supervision of a private architect, and is progressing satisfactorily. Two contracts are in progress for additions to post and telegraph offices ; one at the Lower Hutt and the other at Wanganui; both are nearly completed. A new drill-shed for Volunteer purposes is in course of erection on the reclaimed land, Wellington, and is to be completed in May, 1880. Besides the above, many small works have been undertaken, such as repairs, minor alterations, additions, &c. The total expenditure in the Architect's Branch, North Island, during the nine months has been: — £ s. d. Judicial ... ... ... ... ... 12,818 8 7 Postal and Telegraph ... ... ... ... 4,317 19 4 Offices for Public Departments ... ... ... 2,655 10 4 Lunatic Asylums... ... ... ... ... 13,021 11 5 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... 22,773 711 £55,586 17 7 I have, &c, P. F. M. Burrows, The Engineer in Charge, North Island, Wellington. Architect.