We learn from those who have conversed on the concerns of the settlement with governor Hunter since his return, that he possesses the most minute acquaintance with all its regulations, whether commercial, agricultural, or legal.  On those particular subjects, we understand he had from time to time afforded the most ample information to government; and, as he is now upon the spot, we hope that he may be able to show the advantages which this distant colony will derive from a more frequent intercourse with the mother-country.  It must be gratifying to all who may be in any way acquainted with the settlement, and are not strangers to the misfortunes under which it has sometimes suffered, to find at this time in government a determination to show it a greater degree of attention in future, than, from unavoidable circumstances, it could formerly boast.

As notice has not been regularly taken of the public works in hand at the close of each month, as was observed in the preceding volume, a view of the whole that had been undertaken during Governor Hunter’s administrations of the affairs of the settlement, is annexed.

A large brick building which had been erected by Governor Phillip at Parramatta, 100 feet in length, being much decayed, was completely repaired; two floors laid throughout; and an addition of 60 feet made to it, for the purpose of converting it into a granary for the reception of wheat; there not being any building for this use in the colony.

A strong wind-mill tower of stone, erected upon the hill above the town of Sydney.  The mill completed and set at work.

An entire suite of apartments built of brick at Sydney, between the hospitals and the dwelling-house of the principal surgeon, for the use of the two assistant-surgeons; their former wretched huts having gone to decay.

A strong double logged gaol, 80 feet long, with separate cells for prisoners, was constructed at Sydney.  This building was burnt.

A similar gaol was erected at Parramatta, 100 feet in length, and paled round with a strong high fence, as was that at Sydney.  This was also destroyed by fire.

Two log granaries, each 100 feet long, one for wheat and another for maize, were erected at the Hawkesbury on a spot named the Green Hills, and enclosed with paling.

Thoroughly repaired, coated with lime (manufactured from burnt shells), and white-washed both government houses, the military barracks, officers’ dwellings, storehouses, and granaries, and all the public buildings, to preserve them from the decay to which they were rapidly advancing.

The government huts at Parramatta, which had been built by Governor Phillip for the immediate reception of convicts on their arrival, having been long neglected and disused, and fallen to ruin, were completely repaired and made fit for the use for which they were designed.  Many had fallen down.

A barn of 90 feet in length was built at Toongabbie, in which nine pair of threshers could work.  The original barn at this place built by Governor Phillip had fallen down.