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REPORT.
In the Report for the last year the circumstances which
rendered it necessary for the Hoard to provide New Offices,
and the preliminary steps taken with that object, were stated.
Tenders for the erection of the Building were invited
from a number of leading London Builders, and on the 7th
May, 187 1, eight tenders were submitted to the Board, as
under, and that of Messrs. Hill, Higgs, and Hill accepted.
£
s.
d.
Messrs. Holland and Hammer
11,922
0
0
Mr. William Tongue
11,400
0
0
Messrs. Dove Brothers
10,985
0
0
Mr. Geo. Samuel Pritchard
10,845
0
0
Mr. Thomas Klkington
10,833
0
0
Messrs. William Downes and Co
10,290
0
0
Messrs. Thos. Rider and Son
10,220
0
0
Messrs. Hill, Higgs, and Hill
9,784
0
0
I ho Contract for the Building was signed on the 21st
May, 1874, and the work commenced a few days afterwards,
the Foundation Stone being laid on the 27th July, bearing
the following inscription :—
" This stone was laid on the 27th day of July, 1874, by James
Brookeh, Esq., of Brockley Park, a Member of the Board of Works for
the Lewisham District from its formation in 1856, and Chairman of its
Meetings."
The cost of the Building, including the land purchased
for its erection, was estimated at £11,000, which sum the
Metropolitan Board of Works agreed to lend at interest at
£3 18s. Gd. per cent., repayable by equal annual instalments
within 55 years, subject to the necessary sanction of the
Treasury. The Treasury was, however, advised that the purchase
of land was not a purpose contemplated by the Metropolitan
Board of Works (Loans) Act, 1871, and their sanction
was in consequence limited to the loan of £9,900, the