ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 785, 22 October 1853, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Nevv-Zealander. Sxk Xam not surprised at public attention being so strongly fixed upon the late decision relative to the designs for a new Government House. Whether that decision were right or wrong is hardly worth the enquiry now, hut it certainly does appear that the whole affair has been somewhat hurried, and the selection too hastily made. It is agreed on all hands that a Government House is required here, and the idea of eliciting a competition for a suitable plan was commendable ; but would it not have been well to have awaited the arrival the Governor before deciding upon the best design I His Excellency may not Occupy the house himself, yet he is unquestionably a most proper person to judge of the fitness of a building for the : purposes required. Again, the Governor is believed to be a man of taste and discernment, and the advice of one so qualified ought to have been made available. Now, as some difficulties have been pointed out in the working of the accepted plan, I would beg to suggest that another competition should be called for, first awarding to the successful parties in the late competition their prizes of 30/. and 201. respectively. Having thus prepared for a fresh start, let it be considered that the now district of Auckland—part of the Colony of New Zealand—may, ere long, form a distinct colony in itself, with a resident Governor. That it has now attained a vigour and maturity that promise a long and prosperous existence ; that what is worth doing in the way of public works, should be done well; and I believe we have the means of accomplishing this in artistic skill—good building material, and the important item of £ s, d. With regard to the material, Ido not think the right sort has been named. A prize might be offered forthe best description of building stone. The site is also an important consideration. With regard to that, it has been generally understood, I believe, that in the event of a new Government House being required, the Domain was to be the site for its erection. That site is perhaps unequalled for a gubernatorial residence; but in justice to the beautiful locality the building must be worthy of it. Let, then, a structure be raised that will be an evidence that the early settlers of Auckland were not destitute of genuine taste and liberality,—that the lath and plaster school is abhorrent to their feelings, that they desire to connect the future with the present, in handing down works entitled to respect and veneration. This is not beyond the scope of our ability, Do we commence a work without calculating the cost 1 Certainly not. 1 reject the notion of confining a live Governor to a very nice house, with a nice verandah, skillions on one side for sleepingrooms, ditto, on the other, for pigs, a pond for ducks, &c.; all good in their way, but we want a Government House, —a home for liira who is to represent the Sovereign of a great empire; in fact, a palace in little—a building not unworthy of the British flag to float upon one of its turrets. I know this would involve a great increase in the proposed expenditure; but as that would extend over several years, the burthen would not be felt; and, at any rate, we should have something to show for our money. Now I consider these are excellent reasons for altering the site of the proposed building ; but there are also very grave reasons why it should not be erected upon the old one. That space of ground is absolutely required for town accommodation. The health and comfort of the inhabitants (the former something, I suppose, even in these utilitarian days) urgently deprecate so large a space of ground—almost in the heart of the town—being diverted from its legitimate uses. Our cramped city cannot afford an appropriation so large in extent, so confined in its objects. I would suggest that this fine space should be let on building leases, in such a manner as to form a square, the buildings occupying three sides of it, thus, an airy, healthy, spot would be provided, free from the noxious vapours arising from decayed vegetable matter, for dwell-ing-houses, a good terminus provided to a curious street which now seems to lead nowhere; and about the proceeds of the ground, when let, why —but, perhaps, I had better leave this part for the present—it will be a capital theme for a maiden speech in our new Parliament, Till then, believe me, yours, &c., Civis.