“An amended railway tolls and wharfage bill, authorising increased charges than those hitherto prevailing, was passed at the last session of the Provincial Council, and will require careful watching by the incoming committee, to see that no additional burdens are imposed under it, detrimental to the interests of the trading community. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. “ The urgent necessity for better accom modation in the public offices for transacting the General Government business, has re ceived the fullest consideration of your com mittee, and noticing that the Provincial Government consented to the withdrawal of the amount placed on the estimates as a grant in aid for the erection of those offices, waited upon the Executive, urging upon them the great want that existed in that respect, requesting them to place on the supple mentary estimates the amount voted at a previous session, with a view to the speedy erection of suitable buildings, but regret to report that they were unsuccessful in their application. Deeming, however, the matter far too important for them to accept as final the decision of the Provincial Execu tive, they remitted the whole question to the General Government, in the hope that the necessities of the case would be more fully recognised by them, and in order to give effect to the views of the Chamber, memorialised them upon the subject. The committee have the satisfaction of reporting the receipt of a reply from the Hon the Minister for Public Works, that the General Government had applied to the Provincial authorities for the site on the western side of Cathedral square, and immediately on its being obtained, steps would be taken in reference to the erection of public buildings so pressingly required. PHILADELPHIA EXHIBITION. “A communication from his Honor the Superintendent was received, requesting the co-operation of the Chamber in promoting the representation of the province at the forthcoming exhibition in Philadelphia, and the committee recommended eight gentle men, members of the Chamber, for appoint ment by his Honor, to act on a general com mittee for that object. AVERAGE BONDS. “ A communication having been received from Lloyd’s agent at this port, seeking the assistance of the Chamber in obtaining a general adoption of the form of average bond prepared at the instance of Lloyd’s committee in London, your committee, after discussion, resolved to recommend its general adoption. 