Correspondence relating to move of Lieutenant Governor to Douglas, 1861

RETURN to an Address of the Honourable The House of Commons, dated 12 April 1861 ;-for,

A " COPY of any CORRESPONDENCE with the Secretary of State for the Home Department, relative to the Removal of the OFFICIAL RESIDENCE of the LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR of the Isle of Man, from Castletown to Douglas (in continuation of Parliamentary Paper, No 521 of Session 1860) : "

" And, of any CORRESPONDENCE between the late Lieutenant Governor of the Island and the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Treasury, and the Board of Works, as to Building or otherwise providing an OFFICIAL RESIDENCE for the LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR."

Whitehall,

G. CLIVE

16May1861. . CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE HOME DEPARTMENT.

Sir, Whitehall, 30 June 1859.

I HAVE laid before Secretary Sir George Lewis, your letter of the 27th instant, on the subject of providing a permanent residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, and I am to request that you will state in what manner you consider that a residence may be most conveniently and economically provided, whether by the purchase of a house in or near Castletown, or by building a house, either on land belonging to the Crown, or on land to be purchased for the purpose; and that you will state the probable expense in either case.

I have, &c.

The Hon. Chas. Hope, (signed) H. Waddington. Lieutenant Governor, Isle of Man,

Sir, Whitehall, 8 July 1859.

I AM directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to transmit to you herewith, copies of two letters from the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, stating that the owner of the house now occupied by him has given notice that he wilt require the house for his own use next year, and proposing, as he does not know , of any other house suitable for the purpose, which is likely to be available, that land should be purchased by the Government, and a new Government House built, the expense of which, he does not think, would exceed from 3,0001. to 4,0001. And I am to request that you will submit the enclosures for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, and move their Lordships to favour Sir George Lewis with their opinion as to the Lieutenant Governor's proposal.

(signed H Waddington

G. A. Hamilton, Esq.

(Enclosure, No. 1.)

Government House, Isle of Man,

Sir, 27 June 1859.

I HAVE to acquaint you, for the information of Secretary Sir G. Cornewall Lewis, that I have received notice from the proprietor of the house, which has been occupied as the Government House of this island since 1834, that he requires possession of it next year for his own use.

I am not aware of any other house, in or near Castletown, at all suitable for the purposes of a Government house, which is likely to be available at that time; and, as all the business is transacted at Castletown, I apprehend that there would be considerable inconvenience in the Lientenant Governor residing at any distance from that place. Previous to 1834, the Lieutenant Governor resided in Castle Rushen, but at that time his apartments, being no longer suitable for the purpose, were converted into public offices, and, an allowance of 150/. being given in lieu of a residence, the house which I now occupy was taken by my predecessor for the purpose, with the sanction of the Secretary of State.

If there had been any other suitable house to be had, it might have been as well to continue this arrangement; but as I do not think that is likely to be the case, I would suggest, for the consideration of Sir G. C. Lewis, whether it would not be desirable to take steps to provide a permanent residence f'or the Lieutenant Governor.

(signed) Charles Hope.

H. Waddington, Esq. &c. &c. &c.

(Enclosure, No. 2.)

Government. House, Isle of Man,

Sir, 2 July 1859.

Wrrir reference to your letter of the 30th ultimo, requesting me to state in what manner I consider that a residence may be most conveniently and economically provided for the Lieutenant Governor of this island, whether by the purchase of a house in or near to Castletown, or by building a house, either on land belonging to the Crown, or on land to be purchased for the purpose, and that I will state the probable expense in either case, I beg to say, that I do not know of any house, in or near Castletown, at all suitable for the purpose, which I have any reason to suppose could be purchased, and that there is no land belonging to the Crown. I apprehend, therefore, the the only course open would be to purchase ground for the purpose of building. I do not know that I could state any sum as the probable expense of this, as it would depend upon the extent of ground to be purchased, and' the size and character of the house to be built, and would require the estimate of an architect.

I may mention, however, as affording some criterion of the value of such property here, that the house and grounds which I now occupy, and for which I pay a rent of 1501., were offered for sale to the Commissioners of . Woods, &c., in 1849, by the late proprietor, and -I think the price named was 3,000 l. I have no reason to suppose that this house would now be sold, and if the Government should purchase land, for the purpose of building, they probably would not purchase so much as is attached to this house, but it would be necessary that there should be some space about it for garden, &c. I have no doubt that an expenditure of between 3,000 l. and 4,0001. at the utmost, would provide a suitable residence, which would come in place of the 150 1. per annurn now paid. If Sir George Lewis approves, I would make inquiry as to a suitable site, and the price which would be asked for it; and then an architect could be emploved to make an estimate for the necessary buildings.

(signed) Charles Hope.

H. Waddingion, Esq.

Sir, Whitehall, 11 October 1859.

I HAVE laid before Secretary Sir G. Lewis, your letter of the 5th instant, relative to the proposal to provide a permanent residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, and I am to inform you that the subject is under the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, to whom a copy of your letter has been forwarded.

I am, &c.

The Lieutenant Governor,Isle of Man. (signed) H. Waddington.

Sir, Whitehall, 11 October 1859.

WITH reference to my letter of the 8th July last, on the subject of providing ' a permanent residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, I am directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis, to transmit to you herewith, a copy of a further letter which has been received from the Lieutenant Governor, urging an early decision on the subject, as the house now occupied by him will have to be given up in the month of August next, and as a piece of ground which he thinks would afford a suitable site for the Government House will be re-let immediately from November 12 next. And I am to request that you will submit the same to the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, and move their Lordships to- favour Sir George Lewis with their opinion as to the Lieutenant; Governor's, proposal to erect a Government House in the Isle of Man.

I am, &c.

G. A. Hamilton, Esq., (signed) h: Waddington. &c. &c. &c:

(Enclosure.)

Government House, Isle of Man,

Sir, 5 October 1859.

WITH reference to my letter of the 2d July last, on the subject of providing a permanent residence for the Lieutenant Governor of this island, I shall be obliged if you will bring the matter again before Secretary Sir George Lewis, in the hope that some decision may be come to upon the subject, as the house which I now occupy wilt have to be given up in the month of August next, and if it should be decided to build a house, it is desirable that arrangements should be made for that purpose as soon as possible. I have ascertained that the proprietor of some land in the immediate neighbourhood of the town, which I think would afford the most suitable site, will be willing to dispose of what may be required for the purpose, but not knowing what course might be decided upon, I could not take any further steps in the matter. I believe, however, that this land, or some of it, will be re-let immediately from the 12th November next, which makes it desirable that some communication should take place without delay, on the subject, if the land is likely to be required.

I have, &c.

H, Waddington, Esq., (signed) Charles Hope. &c. &c. &c.

Sir, Whitehall, 15 February 1860.

WITH reference to your letter of the 5th October last, and the previous correspondence on the subject, I am directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to transmit to you herewith a copy of a letter from the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's "Treasury, with its enclosures, relative to providing a new residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, and to request that you will favour Sir George Lewis with your observations thereon.

I have, &c.

The Honourable Charles Hope, Lieutenant Governor, Isle of Man.(signed) H. Waddington.

(Enclosure, No. 1:)

Treasury Chambers,

Sir, 10 February 1860.

WITH reference to your letter of the 11th October last, as to providing a new residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury to transmit to you copy of a letter from the Commissioners of Works, dated 25th ultimo on that subject, and 1 have to suggest that you will observe to Secretary Sir George Lewis that the estimate of the Surveyor of the Board of Works so greatly exceeds the sum proposed by the Governor of the Isle of Man, that my Lords hesitate to authorise the expenditure without further evidence of its absolute necessity, and they will be glad to obtain the opinion of Sir G. Lewis on the subject after communication with the Governor.

I am, &c:

H. Waddington, Esq., (signed) Geo. A. Hamilton. Home Office,

(Enclosure, No. 2.)

My Lords, Office of Works, 25 January 1860. ON the 25th July, and 8th November last, your Lordships were pleased to refer to the late First Commissioner two letters, returned herewith from the Dome Office, represent;ng the necessity of providing a permanent residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, in lieu of the house now occupied by him, which it was stated he must vacate in August next, and their Lordships requested that inquiry might be made regarding the necessity for incurring any outlay for the purpose.

In order to obtain the requisite information on that point, Mr. Buckler, of this department, by direction of the Board, went to the Isle of Man in the month of November last, and conferred with the Lieutenant Governor, with whom, since Mr. Buckler's return, the Board have been in communication on the subject, and f now beg leave to send your Lordships herewith, copy of a Report, dated the 20th instant, received from Mr. Buckler, to- gether with copies of a letter, and three plans which accompanied it, from the Lieutenant Governor, referred to in the report.

From that report your Lordships will see that Mr. Buckler is of opinion that it is necessary to incur an outlay in providing' a house for the Lieutenant Governor, and that he estimates the cost of purchasing and enclosing the ground suggested for the site, by the Lieutenant Governor, and of erecting the building, at about 7,000 1.

I am, &c.

(signed) A feed Austin, Secretary.

(Enclosure, No. 3.)

Office of Works, 20 January 1860.

IT appears by the Lieutenant Governor's letter of 27th June 1858, that his Excellency has received notice to leave the house at present occupied as the Government House, which has been held since 1834 at a rental of 150 1. per annum ; that the Lieutenant Governor is of opinion that there is not any other house in or near Castletown, at all suitable for the purpose of a Government House, and as he apprehends there would be considerable inconvenience in the Governor residing at any distance from that place, he suggests for the consideration of Sir G. C. Lewis whether it would not be desirable to take steps to provide a permanent residence for the Lieutenant Governor.

In a subsequent letter (July 2), his Excellency further states that in 1849 the property was offered to the Commissioners of Woods, &c., for 3,000 l., and declined, and lie adds, that if the Government should purchase land for the purpose of building, they probably would not purchase so much as is attached to the present house, but it would be necessary that there should be some space about it for gardens, and he considers that an expenditure of between 3,000 l. and 4,000 l. at the utmost would provide a suitable residence.

The Lords of the Treasury, in their reference of these papers to this office, request that the First Commissioner will cause inquiry to be made regarding the necessity for incurring any outlay für the purpose of providing a residence for the Governor of the Isle of Man, and accordingly I was directed by the Board to proceed there to make the inquiry.

On the 23d November last I waited upon his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, and conferred with him upon the subject, and on due consideration I suggested to his Excellency that he should obtain from the owner of the present house a definite answer as to whether lie would or would not sell it to the Government; and in the event of a refusal being given, that, his Excellency should then obtain the price of some land pointed out to me by his Excellency as being most eligible for a new house.

The Lieutenant Governor furnished this information to the Board in his letter of the 13th instant, and as the owner of the present house declines to sell it, I now beg leave to report upon the other points involved in the consideration of the subject, viz.:

1. The necessity for incurring any outlay for the purpose of providing a new residence for the Lieutenant Governor.
2. The cost and eligibility of three sites submitted by the Lieutenant Governor.
3. The probable cost of the new house.

First. I concur with the opinion expressed by the Lieutenant Governor, that there is not any available !rouse in or near Castletown suitable as a residence for his Excellency, and it being represented that the principal business of the island is transacted at Castletown, it appe:.irs advisable that the Governor should have a residence there. I therefore submit that there are grounds of necessity for incurring an outlay for the purpose of providing a residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the island at Castletown.

Second. The cost of the three properties submitted in Mr. Hope's letter of the 13th instant, would be as follows, viz.: Contents. At per Acre. A. R. P. £. X+. S. d. No. 1 - - 3 3 12 - - 250 - - 956 5 - „ 2 (part) 3 2 18 - - 210 - - 758 12 6 2 (while) 5 0 2 - - 210 - - 1,155 - - „ 3 (part) 3 1 17 - - 210 - - 704 16 3 2 3 (whole) 4 1 27 - - 210 - - 927 15 9 N° I. PLAX OF PART

Of these three sites I give the preference to No. 1, from its proximity to the Government building; and from its being situate on the main road front Douglas and the most populous part of the island ; but I do not think it worth increasing the cost of the purchase by adding more land, as marked a paler colour on the plan, for the sake of waking it a more convenient shape, as suggested in Mr. Hope's letter.

The extent of the land (3 n. 3R. 12r.) is somewhat less than that at present occupied by the Lieutenant Governor, but the cost of it (9561. 5s.) in comparison with " part" of' No. 2 (7581. 12s. 6d.), or "part" of No. 3 (7041. 16s. 3d.), is a small matter considering the superiority of its situation.

Third. Before offering an opinion upon the probable cost of a new house, I beg leave to state, for the information of the Board, the accommodation of' the old one, which comprises house, offices, aud out-buildings. The house consists of a business room 17 x 15, dining room 23 x 16, drawing room 24x20, morning room, a spacious corridor and staircase, seven best bed rooms, two dressing rooms, five servants' bed rooms, kitchen, servants' hall, and a suite of offices. The out-buildings consist of entrance lodge, large coal stores, coachhouse, seven-stall stable, and three-stall cowhouse. The principal rooms of the house are not conveniently arranged for official purposes ; but on public occasions the corridor is used as well as the rooms.

I am of opinion that a new house with a suite of offices, stabling, and entrance lodge, wnnld enst from 50001. to 6.000 l.

In all a total outlay of about 7,0001.

I have, &c.

Governor's House, Isle of Man, (signed) George Buckler. 20 January 1860:

(Enclosure No. 4.)

Government House, Isle of Man,

Sir, 13 January 1860.

I nAvr. to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2d instant, respecting the proposed new residence for the Lieutenant Governor of this island. Having alreadv written to Mr. Buckler on the 31st ult. on the subject, I delayed replying to your letter till I could obtain a plan of the ground which I would recommend for this purpose.

The proprietor of the house which I now occupy having declined to sell it, I have obtained plans of three different situations where land can be purchased, which I now enclose.

The plan marked No. 1 is the same which I pointed out to Mr. Buckler when he was here, the coloured part being that which I would recommend should be purchased for a Government House.

If a small portion, marked in a paler colour, were taken, it would make the land a more convenient shape. The price asked for this is 2501. per acre, including the building at present on the ground.

I consider this as decidedly the most convenient situation for the purpose, and, taking into consideration the building materials on it, and the other advantages, I do not think it would be more expensive than either of the other situations.

No. 2 has the next best situation ; but to make it convenient, I think it would be necessary to take the whole land-shown on the plan.

No. 3 would be the least convenient of the three situations. For these last two the price asked is 200 guineas per acre.

I am, &c.

A. Austen, Esq., &c. &c. &c. (signed) Charles Hope.

Sir, Whitehall, 24 February 1860.

REFERRING to your letter of the 10th instant, and the other correspondence relative to providing a new residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, I am directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to transmit to you herewith, to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, a copy of a 'further letter from the Lieutenant Governor; and I am to request that you will state to their Lordships that it appears to Sir George Lewis to be a matter of necessity that a suitable house should be provided for the Lieutenant Governor.

(signed) H. Waddington.

G. A. Hamilton, Esq.

Government House, Isle of Man,

Sir,

20 February 1.860.

I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, transmitting to me, by directions of Secretary Sir George Lewis, a copy of a letter from the Treasury with its enclosures, which last are now returned, relative to providing a new residence for the Lieutenant Governor of this island.

I regret to find that the expense of providing such a residence is so much more than I had anticipated. As I stated before, it was impossible for me to form anv opinion as to the amount required, without the estimate of an architect; but judging from the price at which the house and grounds now occupied as a Government house, were offered for sale some years ago, I did certainly expect that the necessary accommodation could have been provided at a smaller expense than that stated. It is possible that, when the details of a house come to be arranged finally, some saving may be made, although I do not think that a housewith much less accommodation than the present one, would, under any circumstances, be convenient for a Lieutenant Governor having a family.

With respect to the necessity of incurring this expenditure at all, I can only say that I should be very glad if I could suggest any course by which it could. be avoided, but I know of none. My tenure of this house expires on the 12th of August next, and it is only as a matter of personal convenience to myself, that I have been allowed to retain it till that time. I know of no other house here which could be hired or purchased for the purpose at all suitable for it. I have no doubt that a small house can be got which will serve temporarily till a residence is provided, but there is none which would answer permanently, nor do I know of any which could be purchased with a view of adding to it so as to save some expense.

I have, &c.

H. Waddington, Esq. (signed) Charles Hope.

Sir, Whitehall, 21. March 1860.

I AM directed by Secretary: Sir George Lewis to transmit to you, with reference to your letter of the 19th ultimo, the enclosed, copy of a. letter from the Treasury, i from which it appears that there is a difficulty in obtaining the funds required to~ provide a residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, and I am to request that you will inform Sir G. Lewis whether the necessary sum must be furnished from the English Exchequer, or whether it will be provided by the Manx Legislature.

I have, &c.

The Hon. Chas. Hope, Lieutenant Governor, Isle of Man.(signed) H Waddington.

(Enclosure.)

Sir, Treasury Chambers, 19 March 1860. Warn reference to your letter of the 24th ultimo, as to providing anew residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majes-y's Treasury to request that you will move Secretary Sir George Lewis to inform my Lords of the manner in which it is proposed that funds should be provided for a residence on the plan proposed.

I am to observe that a fixed proportion of the revenues of the island being allotted to the support of it, government, my Lords conceive that they have no authority to authorise a special charge on the Customs for this object without the consent of Parliament, and they are not prepared to propose a vote for it.

I- am, &c.

H. Waddington, Esq. (signed) Geo. A..Hamilton. &c. &c. &c.

Sir, Whitehall, 31 March 1860.

REFERRING to your letter of the 19th instant as to the manner in which the funds required for the new residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man are to be provided, I am directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis, to transmit to you, to be submitted to the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, the enclosed copy of a letter on the subject from the Lieutenant Governor of the island.

G. A. H (signed) Hamilton, Esq.. Waddington.

(Enclosure.)

Government House, Isle of Man,

Sir, 27 March 1860.

I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st instant transmitting to me, "by direction of Secretary Sir George Lewis, a copy of a letter from the Treasury in reference to the funds required to provide a new residence for the Lieutenant Governor of this island, and requesting me to inform Sir George Lewis whether the necessary sum must be `furnished from the English Exchequer, or whether it will be provided by the Manx Legislature.

In reply, I have to state that this, and all expenses of a similar kind in this island, have hitherto been provided by the Crown, as they were previous to the revestmeut of the island in the Crown by the' Lords of the Island. The original residence of the Lieutenant Governor was in Castle Rusben, and since 1834, when the apartments formerly occupied by the Lieutenant Governor were converted into public offices, the expense of providing a residence for the Lieutenant Governor has been borne by the Crown as before. The Legislature of the island has no funds at its disposal applicable to such a purpose, and I cannot suppose that it would consent to the imposition of an additional tax upon the inhabitants for an object which it would consider ought to be provided in the same manner as heretofore.

In the letter from the Treasury it is stated, `` that a fixed proportion of the revenues of the island being allotted to the support of its government, my Lords conceive that they have no power to authorise a special charge on the Customs for this object without the consent of Parliament, and they are not preprared to propose a vote for it."

Whether the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have power to authorise such a charge on the revenue without the consent of Parliament, or whether the expenditure necessary to provide a residence for the Lieutenant Governor is proper to be proposed to Parliament, is of course a question for their Lordships to decide, and upon which I do not take upon myself to express any opinion; but I think it right to say, that I was not aware before that any fixed proportion of the revenues of the island was allotted to the support of its government.

By the Act 16 & 17 Vict. c. 107, as by the former Acts, a charge is made on the Customs revenue of the Island of such sums "as may be sufficient to defray the necessary expenses attending the government of the said Isle of Mari and the administration of justice there, and other charges incurred' in the said isle which have heretofore been or may hereafter be deemed fit and proper charges to be deducted from,and paid out of the duties of Customs collected in the said Isle of Man," and only the balance remaining, after the payment of these charges, was to be paid into the Exchequer.

In the following year another Act was passed, 17 & 18 Vict. c. :r4, which provided that the gross revenue should be paid into the Consolidated Fund, but charged upon that, fund charges upon the Customs revenue of the Isle of Man under the Act 16 & 17 Vict. c. 107.

With refërence to this last Act, it was intimated to me in a letter from Sir C. Trevelyan, of 27th April 1854, that it was intended to' introduce a Bill in order to carry out the expressed wishes of Parliament, that the gross Customs revenue should be paid into the Exchequer, and that one provision of the Bill would be to charge upon the Consolidated Fund "a sum equal to the proportion of the Customs duties collected in the Isle of Man which, according to Acts of Parliament, will be from tulle to time applicable to the special use of the island." To this strong objections were made by the Insular Legislature, m consequence of which an explanation was addressed to me by Mr. Wilson, the Secretary of the Treasury, who considered that he object which the Government had in view had been inisundf rstood by the Tynwald Court. Mr. Wilson stated that the object of tile Bill was to establish a new system of paying the gross revenue into the Exchequer, and, as a necessary consequence, to provide for the charges 'hen tofore defrayed from the revenue, either by charges on the Consolidated Fund Why votes in supply;, and Mr. Wilson added, "it will be seen by Schedule (A.) annexed to the Bill what are tire charges to be placed on the Consolidated Fund, amongst which are the whole of the charges now fixed by Act of Parliament on the Customs revenue of the Isle of Man;" and further, " that in lieu of defraying the charges now legally payable out of the Customs revenue collected in the island, those same charges will be defrayed from the Consolidated Fuud of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland."

I presume, therefore, it was intended that the charges for the Isle of Man oil the Consolidated Fund should be the same as the charges formerly on the Customs revenue of the island, and that no alteration was to take place on the position of the island in this respect, and such certainly was the understanding, of the Legislature of the island at the time. Previous to the passing of the Act 17 & 18 Vict. there was no Act which allotted any fixed proportion of the revenue to the support of the government of the island, and I am not aware of any Act passed since which alters this.

I have felt it my duty to bring this matter under the notice of Sir George Lewis, because it appears to me to be of importance totally independent of any question of providing a residence for the Lieutenant Governor. It is of importance to the island that its claim for support should extend to all fit and proper charges, and not be hunted to a fixed proportion of the revenue ; and it is, I think, of still more importance that nothing should occur to shake the confidence with which assurances, such as those given by Mr. Wilson on the part of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, are always received by the Legislature of the Island.

(signed) Charles Hope.

Sir, Whitehall, 20 June 1860.

WITH reference to the correspondence which has taken place relative to providing a residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, I am directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to transmit to you the enclosed copies of a letter from the Lieutenant Governor, and a petition from the inhabitants of the town of Douglas, on the subject of a proposal that. the Lieutenant Governor should in future reside at Douglas instead of at Castletown, and I am to request that you will submit the same to the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, and move their Lordships to favour Sir George Lewis with their opinion upon the proposal to provide a residence for the Lieutenant Governor at Douglas, which would, in fact, amount to the transfer of the seat of Government from Castletown to Douglas.

(signed) H. Waddington.

G. A. Hamilton, Esq.

(Enclosure No. 1.)

Government House, Isle of Man,

Sir, 14 June 1860.

I HAVE the honour to enclose a memorial from the inhabitants of the town of Douglas, iii this island, agreed to at a public meeting held there on the 5th instant, which I have been requested to forward to you.

In forwarding this memorial, the object of which appears to be that the Lieutenant Governor of this island should in future reside at Douglas instead of at Castletown, as heretofore, I think it right to submit to you the considerations which occur to me upon this subject. The seat of Government of the island has hitherto been at Castletown, arising, I presume, from Castle Rushen, the principal fortress and residence of the Lords of the Island being situated there.

On various occasions propositions have been made on the part of the inhabitants of Douglas to have the seat of Government removed to that town, but hitherto without success.

There is no doubt thrt Douglas is a very much larger town than Castletown; that it is rapidly increasing, and that in point of position it would be more convenient to most parts of the island, with the exception of the district round Castletown, which contains a considerable population.

If the question were now to be looked at, free of all other considerations, the probability is that Douglas would be selected as the seat of government of the island, and the residence of the Lieutenant Governor.

The present movement on the subject has, I have no doubt,, originated from the knowledge that the house which has for the last twenty-five years been occupied as a Government House is about to be given up, and that no arrangement has as yet been male to provide another residence for the Lieutenant Governor.

I have already had occasion to submit to you the inconvenience which will arise from the want of a suitable residence for the Lieutenant Governor, and have recommended that a permanent residence should be provided for the purpose ; and I have at the same time stated it as my opinion that the Lieuteiiant Governor should reside either in Castlf town Olin the immediate neighbourhood, that opinion being founded on the fact that the Courts over which the Lieutenant Governor presides, are all held at Castletown, and that the other public departments with which he is more immediately in communication are situated there.

It appears that the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have a difficulty as to incurring the expense of building a house for the residence of the Lieutenant Governor; and, as Ï have already stated to you, I ain not aware of any suitable house at Castletown which could at present be hired or purchased for the purpose.

If it should be thought rjLrht to remove the residence of the Lieutenant Governor to Douglas, this difficulty probably would be obviated, as I have no doubt that some residence could be found there suitable for the purpose, or, if a house were to be built or purchased, this could be done there equally as at Castletown.

A compliance, therefore, with the request of the petitioners would obviate the one immediate difficulty, and, if that were the only consideration, could probably be granted without much increase of expense.

It is my duty, however, to state, that in my opinion no advantage would be gained, but that, on the contrary, great inconvenience would be caused, not only to the Lieutenant Governor personally, but to the public, if the residence of the Lieutenant Governor should be removed to Douglas, unless the other public offices and departments now at Castletown were also removed.

At present the Courts of Chancery, Exchequer, Staff of Government, Common Law, when the full Court sits, and General Gaol Delivery, in all of which the Lieutenant Governor presides, are held at Castletown. If' the Lieutenant Governor were required to reside at Douglas, I have no doubt that these Courts would also be held there, as the inconvenience otherwise would be very great, and no advantage would be gained to the public by the removal of the Lieutenant Governor's residence.

A new court-house has recently been provided at Douglas for the sittings of the Deemsters, and other courts which are held there; and there is no doubt that, so far as concerns accommodation for their actual sitting, the higher courts might also be held there.; but I differ entirely from the statement in the petition, that though the courts were held at Douglas, it would not be necessary to remove the records from Castletown. Wherever the courts are held, there the Rolls Office, in which the records of the courts are kept, must be situated; and any other arrangement would be the cause of great inconvenience every time the courts sit. It is quite necessary also at other times that the Lieutenant Governor should be in a position to be in immediate communication with the Rolls Office; were it otherwise, besides any personal inconvenience to the Lieutenant Governor, there would be much delay of public business, and in many cases individuals coming upon business would be obliged to go to both places, instead of to one only, there being 10 miles distance between them. The petition states,that for a very inconsiderable amount accommodation might be provided for the deposit of the records now at Castletown. Bow this is proposed to be done, I do not know; but the accommodation required certainly could not be provided in the present building containing the court-house at Douglas. It is quite true, I believe, as stated in the petition, that the courts, were occasionally held by the Duke of Atholl, as Governor, when in the Island, at Douglas, where he resided; whether that was for the convenience to the public or not, I cannot say.

But at that time there was also a Lieutenant Governor, who resided,. at Castletown, and the courts were always held there, except during the occasional residence of the Duke of Atholl.

The meetings of the Tynwald Court, except when it meets at St. John;_ for the promulgation of new Acts of the Council, and of the House of Keys, are also held at Castletown: In the Council the Lieutenant Governor presides, and though he is not present at the meetings of the Keys, it is quite necessary that he should be in a position to communicate with them while they are sitting. Accommodation, therefore, would require to be provided for the meetings of the Council and of the Keys, and for the office of the clerk of the Council. Besides these, the gaol, the barracks, the Government chaplain, and Government surgeon, are all at Castletown, and, in my opinion, ought all to be where the Lieutenant Governor resides. This applies especially to the gaol, as to which there would be great inconvenience if it were at a distance from the Lieutenant Governor, and from the place of sitting of the courts.

There is another point which is more personal to the Lieutenant Governor, but to which , I think it right that I should also refer as affecting this question.

In my opinion, the residing at Douglas would necessarily be the cause of considerable additional expense to the Lieutenant Governor. The present salary of the Lieutenant Governor was fixed at a time when living in the Isle of Man was much less expensive than it is now. The more frequent communication with England, and other circumstances, have greatly increased the ordinary expenses of living ever since I came to the island, in 1845. The salary, therefore, if adequate, is certainly not more than sufficient under present circumstances ; and if the Lieutenant Governor's residence were removed to Douglas, I think it probable that an increase would be found necessary.

While, therefore, in no way disputing the convenience there might be to the public in removing the seat of Government to Douglas, provided the whole of the establishment Dow at Castletown were also removed, I have felt it my duty to bring under your notice the necessary consequences of removing the residence of the Lieutenant Governor, and the expenditure which might be necessary to carry it out. It is of course not for me to say whether that expenditure should be incurred or not.

I have, &c.

(signed) Charles Hope.

(Enclosure No. 2.)
MEMORIAL.

To the Right Honourable Sir G. C. Lewis, Bart., &c. &c. &c.

The hum ble Petition of the Inhabitants of Douglas, in the Isle of Man, unanimously agreed upon at a Public Meeting held in the said Town on the 5th June 1860, after due notice given by the High Bailiff and Chief Magistrate of the said Town;

Sheweth,

THAT your petitioners, having been informed that Her Majesty's Government are about to erect or otherwise provide a suitable residence for the Governor of this island, embrace the opportunity of stating that the Governor being resident at Castletown, which is situate within a short distance of the southern extremity of the island, is attended with much loss and inconvenience to the great majority of the' public, it having led to all the principal courts being held at Castletown, whereby very great additional expenses are entailed upon the suitors, jurors, and witnesses, many of whom have to travel more than 30 miles to attend the courts.

That the population of Castletown is estimated at 2,500 persons, with no perceptible increase ; whilst the population of Douglas is about 12,000, constantly and rapidly increasing.

That petitioners beg respectfully to state, that the erection of a permanent residence for the Governor of this island in the neighbourhood of Castletown would be perpetuating the injury and inconvenience complained of; and petitioners submit that the most fitting situation for the Governor's residence is the neighbourbood of the town of Douglas, and that thereby a great benefit would be conferred on the whole island, with the exception of the immediate neighbourhood of Castletown.

That there is no reason why the principal courts of the island should not beheld in Douglas, and which was the case when the Duke of Atholl from time to time resided in the island as Governor in Chief; and although it is not absolutely necessary that the records now deposited at Castletown should be removed, yet it would confer a great additional benefit upon the public if these records were trausferred to Douglas, where Her Majesty's' Government has recently fitted up a new and convenient court-house, along with record offices and other public offices; and for a very inconsiderable amount accommodation might be provided for the deposit of the records now at Castletown.

That it has been stated as an objection to the courts being held in Douglas, that the gaol is situate at Castletown ; but inasmuch as prisoners are now taken from Lyaol to be tried in Douglas, Peel, and Ramsay, distances varying from 10 to 26 miles from Castletown, your petitioners submit that no difficulty would arise in taking the prisoners from the grdol to Douglas for trial before the court of gaol delivery, whereby 68 special jurors would avoid being taken to Castletown.

That in case Her Majesty's Government should think it advisable to depute any person to make inquiries into the matters aforesaid in the Isle of Man, petitioners respectfully hope that they may be permitted to have an interview with such person.

Petitioners humbly trust that Her Majesty's Government may be pleased to take into consideration the matters aforesaid, and that the new residence for the Governor of the Isle of Man may be situate in the neighbourhood of the town of Douglas, and that such other steps may be taken as the Government deem most advisable to remedy the inconvenience and injury complained of. And petitioners will pray, &c. &c. &c.

Signed by order and on behalf of the meeting.

(signed) Senhouse Wilson, High Bailiff, Chairman.

Sir, Treasury Chambers, 28 June 1860.

WITH reference to the observations contained in the letter from the Governor of the Isle of Man of the 27th of March last, which you transmitted with your letter of the 31st of March, I am desired by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury to state, for the information of Secretary Sir George Lewis, that in the previous communications of this Board their Lordships had in view the 355th section of the Act 16 & 17 Vict. c. 107, which applies one-ninth part of the revenues of the Isle of. Man to public works. As that fund is primarily appropriated to the improvement of the harbours, there are no means reserved for an exceptional work, such as that of erecting a building for the residence of the Governor.

Their Lordships now direct me to request that you will call the attention of Sir George Lewis to the correspondence which passed between the Home Office and the Treasury in 1834 on the question of providing a residence for the Governor of the Isle of Man, in consequence of the dilapidated state of his apartments in Castle Rushen, which resulted in the grant to that functionary of 1501. per annum as a personal allowance in lieu of an ofoial residence; and I am to state, that, adverting to the circumstances under which that arrangement was adopted, they must regard it as a settlement of the question, and do not consider that they would be justified in authorising special provision out of public funds for the large expenditure which is now proposed.

I am, &c.

(signed) Geo. A. Hamilton.

H, Waddington, Esq., &c. &c. &c.

Sir, Whitehall, 2 July 1860.

ADVERTING to the correspondence which has taken place on the subject of providing a residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, I am directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to inform you, that he has received a letter from the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, stating that, on looking to the arrangement which was made in 1834, by which an allowance of 1501. was granted to the Lieutenant Governor in lieu of an official residence, they must regard it as a settlement of the question, and do not consider that they would be justified in authorising special provision out of public funds for the large expenditure which has been proposed.

I have, &c.

(signed) H. Waddington.

The Honourable Charles Hope,Lieutenant Governor, Isle of Man.

Sir, Whitehall, 23 July 1860.

I Am directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to transmit to you, with reference to the previous correspondence upon the same subject, the enclosed copy of a letter from the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, in which their Lordships state that they are not prepared to authorise the expense of building a residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man.

I have, &c.

The Honourable Charles Hope,Lieutenant Governor, Isle of Man. (signed) H. Waddington.

(Enclosure.)

Sir, Treasury Chambers. 20 July 1860. WITH reference to your letter of the 20th ultimo, relative to the removal of the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man from Castietoa n to Douglas, I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's 'treasury to acquaint you,'-for the information of Secretary Sir G. Lewis, that my Lords omitted in their letter of the 28th ultimo to refer to this communication, but they have only to add that they are not prepared to authorise the expense of building a residence for the Governor of the Isle of Man at Douglas.

I am, &c.

H. Waddington, Esq. (signed) Geo. A. Hamilton. &c. &c. &c.

Sir, Whitehall, 23 July 1860.

I AM directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to transmit to you, to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, with reference to the preceding correspondence on the same subject, the enclosed copy of a letter from the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Mam, in which he states that he has received an offer from Mr. Cunninghame, the proprietor of the house hitherto occupied as a Government House, to sell it for the sum of Six thousand pounds (6,0001.) I am, &c.

G. A. Hamilton, Esq. (signed) H. Waddington. &c. &c. &c.

(Enclosure.)

Government House, Isle of Man,

Sir, 19 July 1860.

WITH reference to the correspondence which has taken place on the subject of providing a residence for the Lieutenant Governor of this island, I have to state, for the information of Secretary Sir George Lewis, that I have received an offer from Mr. Cunninghame, the proprietor of the house hitherto occupied as a Government House, to sell it for the sum of 6,0001.

I was informed by your letter of the 2d instant, that the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, adverting to the arrangement made in 1834, to pay an allowance of 150 l. to the Lieutenant Governor in lieu of a residence, considered that as a final settlement of the question; still I think it right to submit the offer which has been made to me, in case their Lordships should be willing to reconsider this decision, especially as such an arrangement, is only practicable provided the Lieutenant Governor can find a residence for the purpose.

1 have already stated that I know of no other suitable residence available at Castletown, and that unless all the other public establishments are also removed from that place, the expense: of which would be very considerable, I do not think that the Lieutenant Governor can reside at any distance from Castletown without great inconvenience both to the public and to himself:

The property offered by Mr. Cunninghame is stated to contain five or six acres. It includes a house, stables, and other offices, kitchen garden, flower garden, and lawn. The house is in very fair repair, and would not, I should think, require anything material to be done to it, except a partial papering and painting to fit it for the residence of a new Lieutenant Governor. The offices are older, and not in such good repair, but with a moderate repair would, I have no doubt, last for many years. The rest of the place is in good order. It is very conveniently situated for the purpose, and has been occupied as the Government House for about 25 years. It was seen by the officer of the Board of Works, who came here last November to report upon the subject, and he would probably be able to give an opinion upon it if required.

Mr. Cunninghame declines letting the house any longer, and he also refuses to sell for any lower price than that I have named. He is anxious to have an answer on the subject as soon as possible, as his intention was to reside here himself, and to move into the house as soon as I give it up, and my right will expire on the 12th of August. He could not, therefore, let his offer remain open for any long time without great inconvenience.

I have, &c.

H. Waddington, Esq. (signed) Charles Hope. &c. &c. &c.

Government House, Isle of Man,

Sir, 4 August 1860.

WITH reference to my letter of the 19th ultimo, communicating Mr. Cunninghame's offer of the house and grounds, at present occupied as a Government House, for sale, I am requested by Mr. Cunninghame to express his hope that he may have an answer as soon as possible on the subject, as his offer must otherwise be withdrawn, he being obliged to make immediate arrangements, which prevent him from leaving the question open.

I have, &c.

H. Waddington, Esq. (signed) Charles Hope. &c. &c. &c.

Sir, Treasury Chambers, 4 August 1860.

WITH reference to your letter of the 23d ultimo, enclosing copy of a letter from the Governor of the Isle of Man, stating that Mr. Cunninghame, the owner of the house, now let as a residence to the Governor, was desirous of selling it for the sum of Six thousand pounds (6,000 l.), I am desired by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury to state for the information of Sir George Lewis, that they are unwilling to depart from the arrangement of giving the Governor of the 'Isle of Man a personal allowance in lieu of a residence.

I am, &c.

H. Waddington, Esq. (signed) Geo. A. Hamilton. &c. &c. &c.

Sir, Whitehall, 7 August 1860.

WITH reference to your letter of the 19th ultimo, stating that Mr. Cunninghame, the owner of the house ilow let as a residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, is desirous of selling it for Six thousand pounds (6,000 l.), I am directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to inform you that the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury have expressed their unwillingness to depart from the arrangement of giving the Lieutenant Governor a personal allowance, in lieu of a residence.

I am, &c.

The Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man.(signed) H. Waddington.

Sir, Whitehall, 8 August 1860.

I HAVE laid before Secretary Sir George Lewis your letter of the 4th instant, and I am to inform you, in reply, that the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury have declined the offer of Mr. Cunninghame for the sale of the house and grounds at present occupied as a Government house in the Isle of Man.

I have, &c.

The Hon. Charles Hope,Lieut. Governor isle of Man. (signed) , L Waddington

Belmont, Douglas, Isle of Man,

Sir, 10 September 1860.

As I have understood nothing has yet been arranged as to a residence of the Lieutexant Governor of the Isle of Man, I take the liberty of proposing to let., for that purpose, Ballaughton House, situate about one mile and a half from Douglas. It is a substantial well-built dwelling, well adapted for a gentleman's family, with stables, coach-house, and land, if required. I will grant a lease for any length of time required ; and if the term is such as to justify the outlay,

I will make any additions that may be desired. Ballaughton is at present in the hands of a tenant, but I have no doubt I can obtain possession, if required, for this purpose.

I have, &c.

The Right Honourable (signed) George W. Dumbell. Sir George C. Lewis, Bart., &c. &c. &c.

Douglas, Isle of Man,

Sir, 17 September 1860.

I am desired, on behalf of the inhabitants of Douglas, to offer for your consideration some remarks upon the letter of our late Lieutenant Governor, of the 14th June last, in reference to a memorial from this town, seeking to have the Governor's residence established in the neighbourhood of Douglas, instead of Castletown.

I enclose copy of the Governor's letter, in which the paragraphs I refer to are numbered.

My knowledge of the matters referred to arises from 27 years' extensive practice at the Manx bar, from which I retired in the year 1853, and a seat in the Legislature for 17 years, which I resigned in 1857; having, during the whole of the latter period, been the secretary and legal adviser of the House of Keys.

The Governor clearly admits that Douglas is the proper place for the seat of Government, but raises up difficulties to prevent the change taking place.

These refer to the difficulties that would arise from the fact, that all the principal courts are held at Castletown, because the Rolls officers at Castletown, and the Governor, in paras. 4 and 6, goes so far as to say that great public inconvenience would arise from the Governor residing at Douglas, unless the Rolls Office was there also.

I am entirely at issue with the Governor on this point. I contend that the Rolls Office, being at Castletown, does not require the courts to be held there. The Rolls Office is merely the depository of the original pleadings, official copies of which must be taken out by the advocates in each cause, and, with the exception of the " Common Law Court" and "Court of Gaol Delivery," of which I will speak hereafter, the original record is not produced nor required to be produced in court.

The Governor admits (para. 6) that " the courts were occasionally held by the Duke of Atholl in Douglas," but adds, " that there was at that time a Lieutenant Governor residing at Castletown.* " On this point I am enabled to state, that the Duke of Atholl regularly held the Courts of Chancery, Exchequer, and Staff of Government in Douglas ; the clerk of the Rolls attended as clerk of the court, it being his duty to call over the list of causes, and take down the court minutes. No difficulty of any kind arose from the courts not being held near the Rolls Office ; but the public convenience, and the saving of expense to the suitors of the court, was very considerable. I will explain this.

The Courts of Chancery, Exchequer, and Staff' of Government, are held monthly, nine months in the year; they generally last several days, and are adjourned from day to day. The advocates, in addition to their fees, are entitled to charge for a journey to every adjourned court for each cause they are retained in, and as a very great portion of the legal business is in the hands of the advocates of Douglas and Ramsay, the amount of additional costs brought upon the suitors by the courts being held in Castletown is very severely felt.

The common law courts create no difficulty; they are required by statute to be held in Castletown for the southern district, and in Ramsay for the northern, A clerk from the Rolls Office attends the court in Ramsay ; the only records required are the original declarations, filed in such causes as are then pending; and a small tin-box, about 12 inches long, and 5 inches wide, contains the whole papers taken from the Rolls Office. It would require a very short enactment to repeal the clause in the statute, requiring the southern common law to be held at Castletown. At present the inconvenience is so much felt, that the deemster who presides in the southern common law, frequently adjourns to Douglas after the first day of the court.

The only court remaining to be considered is the " General Gaol Delivery." No difficulty can arise in this case in respect of the Rolls Office; the only original record required in the court being the indictment, copies of which, and of all other proceedings, being obtained from the Rolls Office in the usual form ; but the Governor says the gaol is at Castletown; that is true; but as no difficulty arises in taking the prisoners from the gaol in Castletown to Douglas and Ramsey on the occasion of a public investigation of the charge before a deemster and a jury, when the prisoner is either indicted or discharged, and upon the trial of misdemeanors, there could be no more difficulty in bringing the prisoners to Douglas to the Court of Gaol Delivery, and the cells provided at the new courthouses in Douglas afford all requisite convenience; whereas the advantage arising from the change of this court alone would be most extensively felt. No less than 68 yeomen and farmers from every parish in the Island have to attend the Court of Gaol Delivery as jurors, who, in addition to all the witnesses, are compelled to travel to the remote town of Castletown, where, if detained all night, they have great difficulty in obtaining accommodation of any kind.

I court inquiry into the facts I have stated, and, resting upon them, I beg to differ entirely from the Governor, when he states that the Rolls Office must be situate wherever the courts are held. I have resided in the Island for the last 39 years, and have been so situated as to know minutely the working of the courts and of every public office in the Island. If the Governor had not only admitted the public advantage of the courts being held in Douglas, but had suggested that, as an act of public justice, the Rolls Office should be situate there also, it would perhaps have been a more unprejudiced course.

I have endeavoured to show that it does not follow, as a matter of necessity, that because the courts are held in Douglas the Rolls Office must be there also. It is stated in the memorial from Douglas, that it would confer great additional benefits upon the public if the Rolls Office was removed to Douglas, and that accommodation could be provided at a very inconsiderable expense. The Governor appears to doubt this, but it is perfectly correct. The accommodation required for the Rolls Office is small; it consists of one room, which is the public office, and in which a great portion of the books and papers are kept, and one small room formed in the turrets on the wall of the old castle, a miserable damp place, quite unfit for the purpose; there is also a small room used as a private office by the clerk of the rolls. I propose therefore that there should be erected two rooms on the ground-floor for the Rolls Office, with two rooms over, one for the private office of the clerk of the Rolls, and the other for the office of the clerk of the Council, who now occupies a small room in the old castle. A site for this building can be obtained in the same street, and within a few yards of the new court-houses in Douglas, and the owner of the ground will sell it for this purpose at the valuation of two respectable builders. This alteration would be a great boon to the people of the Island; law expenses would be considerably reduced, and it could be effected by a very small outlay.

The Governor states that the meetings of the Tynwald Court (except when at St. John's) of the Council, and of the House of Keys, are held at Castletown. This is quite true ; but it must be understood that none of these meetings are required to be in Castletown, and their being so arises fiom the Governor residing there, and is justly complained of as collecting all the members of these courts, and all parties required to attend them, in that remote and most inconvenient place, and in many instances putting the public to a great increase of law charges. The Governor seems to suggest that there is no accommodation in Douglas for these meetings, and that some new provision would be required. This, I conceive, is quite a mistake. The Tynwald Court could meet in one of the new court-rooms, the Council using one of the ante-rooms to retire to as usual, and the Keys could ietire to the other court-room, there is ample accommodation for the purpose, and for the use of the Governor and Council when they meet without the Keys. These meetings would cause no inconvenience, as no deemster's court is held when there is a meeting of the Tynwald or of the Council, the deemsters being necessarily present at those meetings.

8. The gaol, the barracks, the Government chaplain, and the Government surgeon.

Of these four created difficulties the only one for which there appears any grounds is the gaol, and so long as it is deemed advisable for it to be in Castletown, the Governor might occasionally have to hold a court there for the hearing of prisoners' petitions; but the small inconvenience of his doing so is surely not to be compared with the public advantages that will accrue from the change.

The other three of these points are scarcely worthy a remark ; the military in barracks in the Island amount to a lieutenant and 30 men. If the Governor requires a force in Douglas, the pensioners and volunteers will be very ample for all purposes.

The Governor's chaplain and surgeon are surely unnecessarily brought forward ; of course they must reside wherever the Governor is situated, and if those holding the appointments dislike the change, others equally efficient can be found ready to replace them.

9. The salary of the Governor: this is admitted to be quite inadequate for any one at all calculated to fill the situation, and the constantly increasing revenue of the Island certainly calls for a large increase of the salary ; but why that should be introduced into the present question I cannot tell. I am not aware of anything that is cheaper in Castletown than in Douglas, except fish.

10. It is not easy to effect any public change that involves a heavy expenditure. The hint here thrown out by the Governor, when following up so many supposed difficulties, is certainly very significant ; but the public, who are so much interested, cannot help feeling that if the Governor did not think he was called to offer any opinion upon the necessity of incurring the expenditure, it was scarcely requisite to put it forwards prominently, as a thing to be dreaded.

I have endeavoured, in reply to the Governor's letter, to show that the difficulties suggested to the change of residence proposed do not exist; and I can only ask that my statements may be tested by some unprejudiced person authorised by the Government to examine into the matter; such examination must prove that Castletown is the most unfit place for the seat of Government that could be fixed upon. Everything has been done for Castletown that could be accomplished, through the influence of a little party that has passed away, but without success; the town has dwindled into insignificauce ; without steam communication of any kind; without the telegraph ; situate at one end of the Island ; the Governor, instead of being alive to what is passing in the island, and without exercising the personal influence he ought to do, is buried in seclusion, and is subject to be greatly misled in consequence. Douglas, on the other hand, has constant communication by steam and the telegraph wire, and is essentially the proper place for the Governor's residence, both as respects position for himself, and for the great benefit of the public. As respects the members of the courts, only one member of the Council resides within 10 miles of Castletown ; and, with that single exception, at every meeting Of the Council, the Courts of Chancery, Exchequer, and Staff of Government, every member has to travel distances varying from 10 to 30 miles.

The parties for whom I appeal to you most earnestly and respectfully, hope that you will be pleased to take such steps as you may think most desirable, in order to enable you to form a correct judgment upon the subject ; and that Her ltilajesty's Government may be pleased to direct that hereafter the residence of the Governor of this Island shall be in the neighbourhood of Douglas.

I beg to apologise for troubling you at such length. If I have õccupied too much of your time, I trust it may not injure the cause of the public, on whose behalf I have addressed you.

I have, &c.

The Right Honourable (signed) George W. Dumbell.

NOTE.-When the Duke resided in the Island, the authority of the Lieutenant Governor was suspended; he could hold no court, nor do any other official act.

Sir George C. Lewis, Bart., &c. &c. &c.

Sir, Whitehall, 22 September 1860.

I AM directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to acknowledge your letter of the 17th instant, on behalf of certain inhabitants of Douglas, Isle of Man, offering remarks on a letter of the late Lieutenant Governor of that island, relative to the proposal to remove the, official residence of the Lieutenant Governor from Castletown to Douglas.

I am, &c.

George W. Dumbell, Esq., (signed) H. Waddington. Douglas, Isle of Man.

Sir, Whitehall, 13 December 1860.

I AM directed by Secretary Sir George Lewis to transmit to you the enclosed letter from Messrs. Stowell, Clayall, and Duck, on the subject of the erection of a residence at Castletown for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, by a local company; and I am to request that you will return the same to Sir George Lewis, with your observations on this proposal.

I am, &c.

The Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man.(signed) H. Waddington.

(Enclosure).

Castletown, Isle of Man,

Sir, 8 December 1860.

HAVING heard that the present Governor of this island is likely to experience considerable inconvenience by not getting a suitable residence at Castletown, may we ask if the Imperial Government would entertain a proposal to the following effect :

A local company to build a residence at Castletown, one every way becoming the rank of his Excellency.

The Imperial Government to take a -lease of it, for a term of years, at a reasonable rental.

We beg to remark, that if such a proposal would be entertained, we have reason to believe the plans and conditions could be submitted at an early date in 1861.

We are, &c.

Sir George C. Lewis, Bart., (signed) Flaxeney Stowell.

&c. &c. &c. William Clayall. George Duck.

Sir, Heckfield, Winchfield, 21 December 1860.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from Mr. Waddington, enclosing one from Messrs. Stowell, Clayall, and Duck, on the subject of the erection of a house at Castletown for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man. I beg to state, that, during the first three weeks of my residing on the Isle of Man, I made- all possible inquiryi and inspected every site that could be selected for building at Castletown, and I saw nothing suitable for such a purpose. I therefore availed myself of the privilege you had granted me of selecting my own residence, and I have taken a desirable house at Douglas, on a lease for three, five, or seven years, at a rent of 250 l. per annum. I may here remark, the allowance for rent is perfectly insufficient, being only 1501. ; and house-rent in the island is extremely high. I believe the residence' I have taken can be purchased for 7,5001., if thought advisable.

I have, &c.

The Right Honourable (signed) Francis Pigott. Sir George C. Lewis, Bart., &c. &c. &c.

Sir, Whitehall, 24 December 1860.

1 Am directed by Secretary- Sir George Lewis to acknowledge your letter of the 8th instant, signed by you and others, submitting a proposal that a residence should be built by a local company at Castletown, for the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man ; and I am to inform you that Sir G. Lewis has- considered the proposal, and declines to entertain it.

I am, &c.

Mr. F. Stowell, (signed) H. Waddington. Castletown, Isle of Man.

CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE, OFFICE OF WORKS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

Sir, Office of Works, &c., S. W., 15 November 1859.

I Am directed by the- First Commissioners of Her Majesty's Works, &c. to inform you that Mr. Buckler of this department, will wait upon you at Castletown, on Wednesday next, the 23d instant, at 10 o'clock, to learn your views respecting the proposed new residence for the Governor of the Isle of Man, with reference to your letter to the Home Office, of the 27th June last, and the subsequent correspondence on the -subject.

I am, &c.

(signed) George Russell,

His Excellency Assistant Secretary. The Lieutenant Governor, Isle of Man.

Government House, Isle of Man,

Sir, 31 December 1859.

I HOPED to have written to you before this, on the subject of our conversation when you were here, but I have been prevented from doing so by the absence of one of the gentlemen with whom I had to communicate.

I applied first to the proprietor of the house which I now occupy, to know whether he would sell it, but he declines doing so. If he would have sold it, there is no doubt that that would have been the best way of providing a Government House. I have since made inquiry about the price of land which could be obtained in the immediate neighbourhood of Castletown, and I find the prices asked, more than I anticipated. I showed you the situation which I considered most convenient for the purpose: the price asked for that is 2501. per acre, including the buildings at present on it. I do not know the exact extent, but I think the field we were in, and the garden and site of building adjoining it, may be about 3½ acres. Land has been offered to me in two other places on the other side of the town, and the price asked in both cases, is 200 guineas per acre, both are good situations for building, but not quite so convenient in point of access as the first. In one of these, if adopted, I think it might be necessary to take rather more extent to make it convenient.

On the whole, I am inclined to think that the first named site, which is the most conveniently placed, being just at the entrance of the town from Douglas, would not in the end be more expensive than the others.

There is a considerable amount of buildings on the ground, I believe them to be in a very bad state, but the materials would go towards building a new house, and probably a part of them might be found fit to be repaired for stables, &c. There is also a garden which though not a good one, is already inclosed with a stone wall, and the water and gas pipes which supply the town, pass along the road close by, and therefore either of them could be introduced at comparatively small expense. I have not heard of any other land suitable for the purpose to be had so near Castletown ; by going further from the town, I suppose a lower price would be asked for the land, but the inconvenience of doing so would be considerable.

If I can furnish you with any further information on the subject, I shall be happy to do so.

I am, &c..

George Buckler, Esq. (signed) Charles Hope.

Sir, Office of Works, &c., 2 January 1860.

I BEG leave to call your attention to my letter to you of the 15th November last, and the subsequent interview which Mr. Buckler, of this department, had with your Excellency at Castletown, on the 23d of the same month, respecting the proposed new residence for the Governor of the Isle of Man, and to request that you will have the goodness, at your early convenience, to inform the Board whether the owner of the house at present occupied by the Governor will sell the property at the price asked for it, or whether, he has determined not to part with it ; and in the event of a refusal, that you will be so good as to submit the terms on which a portion of the adjoining land, pointed out to Mr. Buckler by your Excellency as an eligible site for a new house, could be obtained, together with a plan of the quantity required, in order that the Board may report upon the subject to the Lords of the Treasury, in accordance with their Lordships' Minute of the 8th November 1859.

I am, &c.

(signed) Alfred Austin, Secretary.

His Excellency

The Lieutenant Governor, Isle of Man.

W. COWPER,

Office of Works, &c. First Commissioner of Her Majesty's Works

15 May 1861. and Public Buildings. Note.-The Treasury Correspondence is included in the foregoing.

COPY Of CORRESPONDENCE With the Secretary of State for the Home Department relative to the REMOVAL Of the OFFICAL RESIDENCE Of the LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Of the Isle of Man from Castletown to Douglas (in continuation of Parliamentary Paper, No. 521, of Session 1860); and, Of CORRESPONDENCE With the Treasury and the Board of Works on the same subject; &c.

(Sir Edward Grogan.)

Ordered, by The House of Commons, to be Printed, 28 May 1861.

. ..[Price 8 d.]