7

D.—7

No. 31. The Land Purchase Officer, Auckland, to the Acting Under-Secretary for Public Works. (Telegram.) Auckland, 31st March, 1886. I think I can promise report on Stark's property by Wednesday next —that is, leaving here on that date. A good deal of information has to be obtained, and I should not like to promise it earlier. If I can forward it earlier I will do so. H. M. Brewer, The Acting Under-Secretary for Public Works, Wellington. Land Purchase Officer.

No. 32. The Acting Under-Secretary for Public Works to the Land Purchase Officer, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 7th April, 1886. Be disposal of balance of Mr. Stark's property : Hon. Mr. Eichardson has just asked me whether I have received any telegraphic advice of your having posted your report on this matter. Kindly wire me at once if you have yet posted report, and, if not, when you will be able to post it. H. M. Brewer, Esq., Land Purchase Officer, Auckland. H. J. H. Blow.

No. 33. The Land Purchase Officer, Auckland, to the Acting Under-Secretaey for Public Works. (Telegram.) Auckland, Bth April, 1886. Be Mr. Stark's property : To enable me to carry out Minister's instructions, I am having a large plan prepared : this necessitates numerous measurements on the ground. I have hurried the surveyor as much as possible, but he reports that he will not be able to let me have plan under four days from now. My report will be made and forwarded immediately I get this plan. On receipt of your first telegram, I used every effort to get the report sent down this week, and the delay is unavoidable. H. M. Brewer, The Acting Under-Secretary for Public Works, Wellington. Land Purchase Officer.

No. 34. The Acting Undee-Sbceetaey for Public Works to the Land Purchase Officer, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, Bth April, 1886. Be disposal of balance of Mr. Stark's property : Have shown your telegram of to-day to Minister, who directs me to say that he is much disappointed at delay in sending report, and that you must on no account fail to send it by steamer leaving Manukau next Tuesday. H. M. Brewer, Esq., Land Purchase Officer, Auckland. H. J. H. Blow.

No. 35. The Land Purchase Officer, Auckland, to the Acting Under-Secretary for Public Works. (Telegram.) Auckland, 9th April, 1886. Be Mr. Stark's property: I much regret the Minister should be disappointed. I have pushed on the matter with all possible despatch. Have shown your telegram to surveyor, and told him his information must be ready by Monday. Will forward report and plan by Tuesday's steamer. H. M. Brewer, The Acting Under-Secretary for Public Works, Wellington. Land Purchase Officer.

No. 36. The Land Purchase Officer, Auckland, to the Acting Undee-Secbetaey for Public Works. Public Works Office, Auckland, 12th April, 1886. Sir, — Ec Land purchased from Mr. Stark for Takapuna Battery. In reply to above, asking me to send particulars and suggestions respecting balance of Mr. Stark's property, I have the honour to report as follows:— (1.) Mr. Stark's property possesses a peculiar value for the following reasons : The Borough of Devonport only consists of six hundred acres, two hundred of which are Government reserves; nearly all the land in the borough, except Mr. Stark's, is subdivided, and it will be impossible in the future to get a large block of land like this except by paying a very large price for it. It possesses a magnificent sea-frontage on the whole of one side, and is bounded on the other by the main road; the consequence being that, although only twenty minutes from town, it is entirely secluded, and is as private and retired as if fifty miles out in the country. A person possessing means and with an eye to the beautiful would, in the future, when residence-sites of this description will be almost impossible to get, give almost any amount for this property. The tramway now under construction will pass the gates, which will increase the value of the estate. The land has been thoroughly tile-drained, is well fenced—in many cases with double fences, to protect trees—and has