E.—3

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great improvement upon the contract system. With wooden buildings of such magnitude and so numerous as those belonging to Government in Wellington, there is always full work for three carpenters and two plumbers. A considerable saving is effected by having such labour direct, rather than through a contractor. I am glad to be able to report that my department has never been in better working order than at the present time. I have, &c, W. H. Clayton, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Colonial Architect.

Enclosure. Buildings and Otheb Wobks Finished since Ist July, 1874.—Post and Telegraph Offices at Roxburgh, Newcastle, Opotiki, Upper Hutt, Palmerston North, Lyell, Southbridge, Geraldine, Herbert, Tapanui, Waikaia, Russell, Kawakawa, Hokianga, Wangarei, Waipu, Warkworth, Onehunga, Pukorokoro, Carterton, Oamaru, Balclutha, and Christchurch (Telegraph additions). Court Houses at Lawrence, Opotiki, Mercer, Waipawa, Oamaru, Hamilton, and Napier. Departmental Offices at Tauranga and Auckland. Speaker's Chair, Legislative Council Chamber. Repairs to Mount Cook Immigration Barracks; Collector of Custom's House, Greymouth; Immigration Depots at Patea, Greymouth, and Hokitika. Conteacts Enteeed into foe Woeks now in Peogeess.—Post and Telegraph Offices at Masterton, Ohaewae, Helensville, Riverhead, Napier, Wairoa, Turakina, Hokitika, Greymouth, St. Bathan's, Ohinemutu, Porangahua, and Ashburton. Additions to Wanganui Post and Telegraph Office. Court House at Mangapai. Departmental Offices at Wellington, Lyttelton, and Invercargill. Seating, &c, House of Representatives. Additions to the Colonial Museum. Fire-proof safe at Court House and Survey Office, Carlyle. Westport Immigration Depot. New Lodge at entrance to Government House, and Hospital at Mount Cook Immigration Depot. W. H. Clayton, 27th July, 1875. Colonial Architect.