BL—27.

1889. NEW ZEALAND.

BOTANIC GARDEN BOARD, 1888-89. (TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT).

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

Boaed meetings during the past year were held on the following dates: 23rd July, 1888; 15th January, 11th February, Bth March, and 14th May, 1889. The statement of accounts shows that the expenditure for the twelve months is £261 Is. lid., and, excepting the sum of £15 9s. 3d., the whole of this has been laid out in the work of repairing the fences, cleaning the roads and paths, underbrushing, and miscellaneous labour. The revenue of the Board is derived entirely from the share of the rents of the Town Belt, the amount received being £279 10s. Id. for the eighteen months ending the 31st March, 1889. From the Treasurer's statement it will be seen that there is a balance in hand of £88 7s. 3d. The following correspondence has taken place between the Board and the Government relative to an application of the Corporation of the City of Wellington for the transfer to that body of the Botanic Garden. Approved by the Board. James HECTOEi Manager. W. B. D. Mantellj, Chairman. sth August, 1889.

Accounts.—Botanic Gabden, 1888-89. Receipts. .£ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. dBalance in hand on 4th September, 1889 .. 79 010 Garden work, including keeper's salary, Share of rents from Wellington Town Belt for nursery work, roads, &c. .. .. 254 14 5 . eighteen months, ending 31st March, 1889 279 10 1 Timber, ironwork, and carpenter's work (repair of cottage) .. .. ~ 15 9 3 Balance in hand .. .. .. 88 7 H £358 10 H_ £358~10~U W. T. L. Tbavbes, Honorary Treasurer.

COEBESPONDENCE. Mr. G. S. Coopek to the .Chairman, Botanic Garden Board. Snt, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, Ist April, 1889. I have the honour to inform you that a deputation from the City Council of Wellington waited on the Government onihe 16th ultimo, and urged that the Botanic Garden Eeserve should be placed under the control of, and should be vested in, the City Corporation. The Premier, in reply, stated that the Government would endeavour to give effect to the wish of the City Council in the matter if, after inquiry, it was found that there were no objections thereto.