F.—B

3

But there would be no comparison between the long narrow landing-stage and store (with the vessel anchored off some distance, as now proposed, near the dock, where everything would have to be sent by boat both ways) and the convenience and result you would get with a deep-water jetty at Craig's land at Stanley Point, where the vessel could be tied up to the wharf, and could land and ship any stores or cargo with the greatest ease and utmost despatch. No doubt this latter place will cost considerably more to develop and get into working-order than the former, and if only the present accommodation of the " Iris " is in question the Stanley Point proposal may be premature. It is, however, a much larger question than just her wants, and the site would provide a naval base for the future which could not be improved upon. You would never get this 8 acres of land with a deep-water frontage offered to you at the same rate again, because now it is unoccupied and not built on, and there are no improvements to pay for. But the owner intends to cut the land up at once, I believe, if his offer is declined; and after that it may become even more expensive to buy than Mr. W T atson's has been at the North Head, where there is no depth of water. The position is worth some consideration, I think. Probably it would be well to consult Captain Sharp on his return —that is, if Mr. Craig will wait. At any rate, if you bought the land you would have no difficulty in disposing of it, if a small lauding was put there at which a ferry-boat could call. Chas. R. Vickerman, District Engineer. The Under-Secretary, Public Works Department, Wellington. ll'.W. 06/6863.]

No. 6. The Under-Secretary, Public Works Department, Wellington, to Mr. J. J. Craig, Auckland. Public Works Department, Wellington, 3rd January, 1907. Sir, — Offer of Land, Auckland Harbour. The Right Hon. the Premier has referred to this Department your letter of the 29th August last [not printed], offering to sell to the Government 8 acres of land at Stanley Point, with deep-water frontage, for the purposes of a wharf and store for the (•able-steamer " Iris " ; also your letter of the 17th ultimo [not printed] on the same subject; and, in reply, 1 am directed by the Minister for Public Works to state that, after careful consideration, it lias been decided to construct the wharf and store on the site originally selected, near the Calliope Dock, and consequently the site offered by }*ou will not be required. I have, &c, J. J. Craig, Esq., Auckland. H. J. H. Blow, Under-Secretary [P.W. 06/7965.]

No.. 7. The Hich Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime Ministeb Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London, 2nd August, 1907. Sir, —. Pacific Cable Board. I beg to transmit herewith a copy of the Treasury letter dated the 27th July, appointing Sir Henry W. Primrose, X.C.8., C.5.1., to succeed the late Sir Spencer Walpole in the Chairmanship of the Board. I have, dec, The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. W. P. Reeves. [P.C Misc. 07/46.]

Enclosure in No. 7. The Secretary, Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, London, to the Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, London. Sir, — Treasury Chambers, London, 27th July, 1907. I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to state that they have appointed Sir Henry W. Primrose, X.C.8., C.5.1., &c, Chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue, to be one of the representatives of His Majesty's Government on the Pacific Cable Board in the place of the late Sir Spencer Walpole, K.C.B. My Lords are also pleased to appoint Sir Henry W. Primrose to be Chairman of the Pacific Cable Board (without remuneration) in succession to the late Sir Spencer Walpole. I have, &c, R. Chalmers. The Secretary to the Pacific Cable Board, Queen Anne's Chambers, S.W.