A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 867, 12 October 1888, Page 2

A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) T Auckland, October 5. A Royal Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances under which oerta n land, at Point Resolution, ’ Auckland,- was taken by the Government for defence purposes, and a portion resold, held its first sitting at the Harbohr Board offices to-day. The Commissioners were Dr Gilles, R.M., and Colonel Roberts. Mr E. Mahoney appeared for Mr and Mrs Kissling, who are intimately conneefced with the matter. The first witness called was Thomas McKay, land. purchase •commissioner, who deposed to being sent to Auckland to endeaeonrto settle an action for trespass brought against the Government by Mrs Kisslfng, lessee of the property whiehis the subject of inquiry. An Act was passed in the House enabling the Government to take the land under the Public Works Act, providing for compensation. When asked for an opinion, witness stated he considered £1250 would be fair compensation. He had recommended the Government to take the whole of the land and lease the house and ground. His reason for making this suggestion was that there was a loopline contemplated to be constructed on 'the Auckland and Penrose line, which would necessitate a tunnel running between the battery and the House. That would of course have been a subsequent case of compensation. Hisgother reason for making the suggestion was that he had an idea that ; there was too little land taken for defence purposes, and that it was possible it might be found necessary to take further land. Witness did not mention this proposal to Mr Kissling. W. S. Cochrane, Secretary to the Church of England General Trust Board, deposed to the Board having accepted the offer of the Government of £632 for their interest in the land. The Commission then adjourned until Monday next.