STARK PURCHASE COMMISSION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4714, 19 October 1886, Page 2

STARK PURCHASE COMMISSION.

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Auckland, to-day. At the Stark purchase inquiry MrLaisteley applied that Sir J. Yogel bo called upon to produce any papers in his possession, likewise his hank book. The Chairman said it would not be possible for Sir J. Yogel to attend, but if it were necessary to obtain his evidence from him, the Commissioners would adjourn to Wellington fer the purpose. Mr H. Ashton, land agent, in his evidence aaid that he had originally sold the Stark property to Mr Stark in 1881—28 acres at £bO an acre, and a section on the opposite side of the road at £45 ai> acre subsequently, with house and outbuildings. It was ottered for £3000, one-quarter cash, the offer be- | ing in Mr Stiwk's hand- writing ; another offer, including more land, was for £3500, one-fifth casl?, tfoo balance in three years at f) per cent. Another proposal which Mr Sfcu-k made to him for the sale was for ihe house and 20 acres for £5000. He could not sell at those nricp.s, and Mv Shark withdrew the otters from h.i«\ in 1884 or the beginning of 1885. Mr Stark j subsequently asked him to «o to Mr Ross, j cq get a negotiation concluded with him j at £'2500 for 10 acres. Ho believed then that Mr Stark would have taken £4000, as he wanted money. Between 1883 and 1885 that property hud depreciated. Land was at its highest when he ofl'ered it in 1883 at £5000. The [.rice which Mr Stark paid to him for theso 25 acres originally was £1500. The whole cost of the property to Mr Stark with improvements was £3500.