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No. 21. The Under-Secretary for Public Works to Mr. R. A. M. Stark, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd February, 1886. In reply, re furniture in residence at Takapuna Point: Hon. Mr. Eichardson directs me to thank you for your offer, and to state that Mr. Brewer, the Government Land Purchase Officer, will be instructed to see you, and, if you desire it, to value and take over the Venetian blinds in the house; but, as regards the other furniture, Government does not see its way to purchase it. E. A. M. Staxk, Esq., Auckland. 0. Y. O'Connoe.
No. 22. •The Under-Seceetaey for Public Works to the Eailway Land Purchase Officer, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd February, 1886. Mr. Stark has telegraphed offering to sell to Government the Venetian blinds and furniture in the residence at Takapuua. Minister approves purchase of blinds, but not other furniture ; and Mr. Stark has been informed accordingly. Will you therefore please see him, and, if he so chooses, inspect the blinds, and arrange with Mr. Stark the price which is to be paid for them, and take them over on behalf of the Government, Mr. Stark removing all other furniture. H. M. Brewer, Esq., Land Purchase Officer, Auckland. C. Y. O'Connoe.
No. 23. Departmental Minute on Coreespondence. Mr. O'Connor.—The purchase of the 28 acres and 16 perches of land from Mr. Stark being now completed, instructions are requested as to what is to be done about disposing of so much of the land as is not required for defence purposes. H. Thompson, 10/2/86. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works to the Hon. the Minister of Defence. Hon. Minister of Defence.—You will probably settle this matter. In meantime perhaps the land might let. E. Eichaedson, 1/3/86.
No. 24. The Hon. the Minister of Defence to the Hon. the Minister for Public Woeks. The Hon. the Minister of Defence desires that the Land Purchase Officer (Mr. Brewer) at Auckland may be requested to report how he recommends the land to be disposed of, keeping sufficient for the battery, and some small grounds round the dwelling, which has been offered to the Admiral in exchange for the building, &c, called " Admiralty House," in Auckland. Major Boddam will append a plan of the ground required for the battery. 12th March, 1886. G. S. Whitmore. Plan herewith, as requested.—E. Boddam, Major.—lsth March, 1886.
No. 25. The Land Puechase Offices, Auckland, to the Under-Seceetaet for Public Woeks. Public Works Office, Auckland, 11th March, 1886. Stack to the Queen: I enclose herewith certificate of title, Vol. 26, folio 33, of Allotment 3 and part 4, Section 2, Takapuna, with above transfer indorsed thereon. I also enclose policies of insurance, one in the New Zealand Insurance Company for £1,600, and the other in the National Insurance Company for £200. H. M. Beewee, Land Purchase Officer. C. Y. O'Connor, Esq., Under-Secretary for Public Works, Wellington.
No. 26. The Acting Undee-Seceetary for Public Wobks to the Land Puechasb Officee, Auckland. Public Works Office, Wellington, 22nd March, 1886. Re land purchased from Mr. Stark for Takapuna Battery : Out of the 28 acres and 16 perches of land purchased from Mr. Stark, it is proposed to retain 3 acres 1 rood 11 perches for defence purposes, and also the dwelling-house, with adjacent ground, containing about 2 acres 3 roods 29 perches. The rest of the property, containing 21 acres 3 roods 16 perches, the Government contemplate disposing of either by sale or lease, and the Minister will be obliged, if you will kindly report very fully, at your earliest convenience, as to what, in your opinion, would be the most advantageous way of dealing with it. A plan showing the land that is to be retained is enclosed herewith; but, as it does not show the whole of the property, and as we have no large scale plan here that does show the whole of the property, perhaps Mr. Hales, on application, would kindly
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