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ever of what had occurred in this matter. I had been engaged in other matters in other parts of the colony, and I did not know until bj' some accident the papers came before me at what stage the subsequent proceedings in the transactions had arrived; and I discovered that this suggestion of mine with regard to the tunnel had been totally overlooked. 53. You pointed out to them that in settling with Mr. Kissling they should get provision made for that, so as to avoid a second compensation? —Yes. 54. Mr. Brewer.'] Did Mr. Kissling give you any idea that he would accept that £1,250? —No; we never came to any point with regard to any question of compensation. 55. Did you ever make any subsequent valuation as to what .the total cost would most likely be to the Government ?—I cannot recollect whether I did or not, not having my papers here. 56. Do you remember writing to me some time after you came to Auckland to the effect that the Point Eesolution matter was a very awkward one for the Government, and you did not think it likely they would get out of it for any less than £4,000 or £5,000 ?—That was a private coinnn*nication to you, and simply a friendly one. It was written after the Proclamation taking the whole property was gazetted. 57. In that case lam sorry I mentioned it?—lt was a confidential communication; it was a friendly one. 58. This £1,250 was simply to satisfy Kissling?—That was with regard to the 3 roods and 13 perches. William Stephen Cochbane sworn and examined. 59. Dr. Giles.] What is your position, Mr. Cochrane?—l am secretary to the Church of England General Trust Board. 60. You recollect certain property, part of the trust, being held by Mrs. Kiss-ling as lessee, near Point Eesolution?—Yes. 61. Do you recollect that being taken by the Government, and certain money-compensation being awarded to the Board?—Yes, I do. 62. You have the minute-book with you? —I have. 63. Can you refer us to the minutes when the matter was first brought before the Board?—The matter was introduced to the Board by a letter received from Mr. Kissling, which was read at a meeting held on the 19th November, 1885. 64. Have you that letter ?—Yes. The minute was headed, " Mr. G. S. Kissling." [Read, letter from Mr. Kissling stating that the Government was taking the whole of the property occupied by him at Point Eesolution, and asking by what process the Board would prefer to have the present value of the freehold interest ascertained.] The resolution passed by the Board was that "Ifit is contemplated to take the whole of the property the Board prefers the compensation to be given to be named by the Government." 65. Does that complete the minute ?—Yes. 66. Would you read the letter? —"Auckland, 19th November, 1885.—W. S. Cochrane, Esq., Secretary Church Trust property.—-Dear Sir, —The Government are taking, under the Public Works Act, the whole of the property now occupied by me at Point Eesolution. It is therefore necessary to ascertain how the compensation is to be divided between us. With this view, I shall feel obliged if you will inform me by what process you would prefer to have the present value of your freehold interest ascertained. —Yours faithfully, G. S. Kissling." 67. What is the next ?—The next time it came before the Board was at its meeting held on the 3rd December, 1885, when a letter was read from Mr. H. M. Brewer, land-purchase officer, stating that the Government proposed to take the whole of the land at present in the occupation of Mr. Kissling, and offering £632 for the Board's interest in the land. The resolution of the Board was, " That the offer be accepted." The letter is as follows: "Public Works Office, Auckland, New Zealand, 20th November, 1885. —W. S. Cochrane, Esq., Secretary General Trust Board.— Be land required for battery at Point Eesolution : I am directed by the Hon. the Defence Minister to state that it is proposed to take the whole of the land at present in the occupation of Mr. G. S. Kissling. The'property being let for such a long term to that gentleman at a nominal rental, the principal part of the compensation-money will be awarded him. As, however, the Government wish your Board to be treated with every consideration, I am requested to state that the sum of £632 will be awarded for your interest. Will you please let me know at your earliest convenience if you accept this offer, so that arrangements can be made for paying over the money? If .you do not accept, the case will have to go to the Supreme Court.—H. M. Beewbb, Land-purchase Officer." 68. The minutes do not show whether there was any discussion; they merely give the resolution ? —Yes. 69. Is there anything after that ?—There is nothing further ; the matter dropped then until the money was paid. I think it was very nearly a year afterwards before the money was paid. 70. Could you give us the names of the members who were present at those two meetings ?— Yes. On the 19th November : present —the Bishop (in the chair), Eev. R. Burrows, Messrs. James Dacre, J. D. Jackson, Theo. Kissling, G. P. Pierce, and J. H. Upton. At the meeting on the 3rd December there were present the Bishop, Eev. E. Burrows, Messrs. Dacre, James Dilworth, Kissling, Pierce, and Upton. 71. Can you recollect whether any discussion took place, or whether any opinion* were expressed as to the amount awarded ?—I cannot recollect anything definitely. As a matter of course it was not passed without some discussion, but the exact points or what the various opinions were I could not tell you. 72. Can you remember whether any of the Board complained of it, or considered it too small? —No ; I think it was worked out by some one or two of them there to see what this sum of .money would be worth in forty-eight years' time and they seemed to be satisfied. 73. Mr. Mahony.J Did I understand you to say that they all seemed satisfied ?—I do not say