CORRESPONDENCE.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 31, 4 August 1860, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Marlborough Press. Sjk—ln the report of the few remarks made by me in the Council on the 24th, there occurs, in speaking of the cost of the Waitohi road, “ it would he at least £19,000, it might he £20,000.” The £19,000 should he £IO,OOO. The error is of course merely typographical. The other correction required is in the seconding of Mr. Elliott’s amendment, that the building of public offices be deferred. The passage is “ He (Mr. Sinclair) had offered every facility for the Government offices; and the buildings they now occupied might be leased for three or more years ; or lie would sell them even for less than they had cost him. The land belonged to Mr. Fell, and arrangements could be so made that the land need not cost the Government anything.” I beg to state that the land upon which the buildings arc is mine, and not Mr. Fell’s; but on behalf of Sir. Fell I made an offer of any site on his ground also. The copies of the communications will perhaps be the best explanation; and will show that it was not for want of facilities here, that the public are required to go to the most out of the way place for conveniences, that if public advantage were kept in view, should be placed as centrieally as possible. I am, &c., Jas. Sinclair. Blenheim, August 2, 18G0. “ Blenheim, July 19, 18G0. “ Sir —I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, inquiring whether I would be agreeable to let the large room adjoining the Government offices to the Government to June 30th, and at what rent. “In reply, I beg leave to express my utmost desire to afford every facility to Government, but as the letting of the building referred to would necessitate my building another shortly, and as within a year now, the. first might be vacated, and so far become an idle property, I do not see how I can incur the risk or the outlay for the temporary purpose. “But I am quite disposed to lease to Government the building now rented to March Ist. and the building adjoining used as the Council Chamber, fora period of three years from June 30th now past, at a moderate rent, say One Hundred Bounds per annum; or it Government would prefer it, I would sell the two buildings as they

now are for Seven Hundred Pounds (£700) with the half acre of ground on which the}' are situate. “ According to promise, the largo room will be given gratis for the -meeting of the Council during the present session. : “I have the.lionour to-be, ‘ • .. . - -~ ; “Sii\ ; '' K “ Your most obedient Servant, “ Jas. Sinclair.” “ His Honour the Superintendent.”