D.—7.

4

Enclosure. Mr. Stack to the Hon. the Ministee for Public Woeks. Sic, — . Auckland, 21st January, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge your communication of yesterday—2oth January, 1886 —relative to my claim against the Government for £20,000 for my property at the North Shore, containing 28 acres and 16 perches, being Allotment 3 and part of Allotment 4 of Section 2, Parish of Takapuna, and containing an offer on behalf of the Government to pay me £17,100 for the said property and in satisfaction of all claims and demands against the Government in connection with the property. In reply, I beg to state that I hereby accept your offer of £17,100 in terms of your letter. I have, &c, The Hon. E. Eichardson, Minister for Public Works, E. A. M. Stack. Auckland.

No. 16. The Eailway Land Puechase Officee, Auckland, to the Undee-Seceetaey for Public Woeks. (Telegram.) Public Works Office, Auckland, 23rd January, 1886. Re land for Takapuna Battery: Enclosed I forward voucher in favour of Mr. E. A. M. Stark for £17,100, together with solicitor's memorandum thereon. Transfer has been prepared by Government solicitor, and signed by Mr. Stark. H. M. Beewee, Land Purchase Officer. C. Y. O'Connor, Esq., Under-Secretary for Public Works, Wellington.

Enclosure. Mr. Thos. Buddle to the Eailway Land Puechase Officee, Auckland. 5, Wyndham Street, Auckland, 22nd January, 1886. Stack to the Queen : I have prepared transfer he.rein, and sent same to Mr. W. Coleman (Mr. Stark's solicitor) for execution. P.S.—Voucher returned herewith. Thomas Buddle. H. M. Brewer, Esq., Auckland.

No. 17. Mr. E. A. M. Stack, Auckland, to the Undee-Seceetaey for Public Woeks. (Telegram.) Auckland, 10th February, 1886. Kindly inform me when money for land taken for battery will be sent up. I accepted Ministers' terms, several thousands less than value, on the distinct understanding, in writing, that money should, be paid at once. I signed conveyance of property nearly three weeks ago. The Under-Secretary for Public Works, Wellington. E. A. M. Stack.

No. 18. The Undee-Seceetaey for Public Woeks to Mr. E. A. M. Stack. (Telegram.) Wellington, 11th February, 1886. In reply, re land at Takapuna: Treasury will post cheque to-morrow. E. A. M. Stark, Esq., Auckland. C. Y. O'Connob.

No. 19. The Railway Land Puechase Officee, Auckland, to the Undee-Secbetaey for Public Woeks. (Telegram.) Public Works Office, Auckland, 15th February, 1886. Enclosed I forward voucher in favour of Mr. E. A. M. Stark for £17,100, signed and receipted. H. A. M. Beewee, Land Purchase Officer. C. Y. O'Connor, Esq., Under-Secretary for Public Works, Wellington.

No. 20. Mr. Stack, Auckland, to the Undee-Seceetaey for Public Wobks. (Telegram.) Auckland, 20th February, 1886. As the residence.. Takapuna Point, may be placed at the disposal of a high personage, it occurred to me it would be a pity to disturb the furniture. I will deal very liberally with the Government, if they wish to purchase furniture, Venetian blinds, china, plate, napery, garden-tools, large stock firewood, &c—the whole a going concern. An inventory could be taken by your Engineer, and your care-taker could step in when we leave. Please let me know if the Government wish to make the purchase. The Under-Secretary for Public Works, Wellington. E. A. M. Stack.