I.—G

32

The Chairman, Piako Swamp Committee, to Mr. Sinclair. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th October, 1875. Your answer refers to purchase completed by Dilworth of land outside of Swamp. Committee want information as to application made and deposit paid by O'Meara for part of swamp land, afterwards agreed to be sold to Mr. Russell, and reason why sale was not completed and deposit returned. State date of return deposit, and of withdrawal 800 acres. John Bryce. Mr. Sinclair to the Chairman, Piako Swamp Committee. (Telegram.) Auckland, 14th October, 1875. lam not aware that O'Meara ever applied for land within the block agreed to be sold to Russell. No deposit was ever paid by him for purchase of such land. Block of 800 acres was only gazetted ;it was withdrawn from land list on the 23rd June, 1873, before day fixed for auction, as provided by 7th clause of Land Regulations. No deposit was ever paid. A. Sinclair. Mr. Dilworth to the Chairman, Piako Swamp Committee. (Telegram.) Auckland, 14th October, 1875. Sir, —In reply to your telegram about swamp land, I beg to inform you that I never applied for any land in the Piako Swamp, and consequently never had any money returned to me. J. Dilwobth. By Authority : Geobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.