D.—7

1886. NEW ZEALAND.

PURCHASE OF STARK'S PROPERTY, NORTH SHORE, AUCKLAND (PAPERS RELATIVE TO).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 2nd June, ISB6. Ordered, " That all papers connected with the purchase, for defence purposes, of Stark's property, North Shore, Auckland, be laid before this House."—(Me. G. P. RICHARDSON.)

No. 1. Mr. Stark to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 22nd December, 1885. Having now entered upon possession of part of my property for defence purposes, kindly inform me if it is the intention of the Government to arrange the purchase privately or otherwise. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. R. A. M. Stark.

No. 2. The Under-Secretary for Public Works to the Railway Land Purchase Officer, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 30th December, 1885. Be compensation for land taken for defence purposes: Will you please wait upon Mr. R. A. M. Stark and try to arrange compensation at an early date, subject, as usual, to Minister's approval. Mr. Stark is wiring about the matter. H. M. Brewer, Esq., Land Purchase Officer, Auckland. C. Y. O'Connor.

No. 3. The Undbr-Seoretary for Public Works to Mr. Stark, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 30th December, 1885. In reply, re compensation for land taken for defence purposes, Mr. Brewer, the Government Land Purchase Officer, has been instructed to wait upon you with the view of endeavouring to arrange compensation privately if possible. C. Y. O'Connor, E. A. M. Stark, Esq., Auckland. Under-Secretary for Public Works.

No. 4. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works to the Under-Secretary for Public Works. (Telegram.) Auckland, Bth January, 1886. Takapuna Battery-site : This is a very serious affair; we entirely destroy Stark's property. I saw him yesterday, with Brewer. lam of opinion that Government will have to take whole property, and afterwards sell what is not required—twenty-three acres in all, value said to be twenty thousand. Hon. Mr. Ballance wires me that he wishes me to take matter in hand and do as I think best. Who do you think should be asked to value ? Has any Proclamation been issued ? E. RICHARDSON, C. Y. O'Connor, Esq., Under-Socretary for Public Works, Wellington.