D.—No. 41

No. 1. Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Bight Hon. Earl Geantille, K.G. (No 21.) Government House, Auckland, My Loed— New Zealand, 12th February, 1870. With reference to previous correspondence on the same subject, I am requested by my Responsible Advisers to transmit herewith, and to recommend to favourable consideration, the enclosed Ministerial memorandum respecting the proposed sale of certain small allotments of land (amounting in the whole to less than four acres) situated within the grounds of the barracks at Auckland and Wellington, of which Her Majesty's Government have ordered the transfer to this Colony on the final removal of the Imperial troops. 2. The Commandant in New Zealand (Colonel Elliot, of the 18th Boyal Irish Regiment,) has suspended the proposed sale by public competition of these allotments, pending the decision of the higher authorities. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. F. Bowen.

Enclosure in No. 1. Memorandum by the Hon. D. McLean. Auckland, 7th January, 1870. His Excellency the Governor is respectfully requested to move General Sir Trevor Chute, pending reference to the Imperial authorities in England, to cause the advertisement relating to the disposal of certain allotments of land situate within the grounds of the Albert Barrack, Auckland, and of the Lower Mount Coolc Barracks, Wellington, to be withdrawn. The New Zealand Government will, if required, repay the original cost of the land, or make other equitable arrangements for its possession. It seems evident that had the special circumstances affecting the land in those barracks been known to the Imperial authorities, a mode of sale by which private persons might obtain possession of any of the allotments would not have been sanctioned. The public interest requires that the whole of the land within the barrack wall should come into the hands of the Colonial Government. Donald McLean. His Excellency the Governor.

No. 2. Copy of Advertisement. Auckland, 4th January, 1870. Sealed Tenders, in duplicate, will be received at this office until noon of Monday, 31st January, 1870, from persons desirous of purchasing the undermentioned pieces of land, viz.: — Albert Barracks, Auckland, Section 13. No. I.—l rood 5 perches. No. 2.—35 perches. No. 10.—1 rood, with small cottage thereon. No. 11. —36 perches, ditto. Mount Cook Barracks, Wellington. One-third of acre No. 84, situated on west side of upper barracks. One-third of acre No. 85, ditto. Acre No. 226} Adjoining each other, with frontage to Buckle Street, with the Imperial GovernAcre No. 223 ) ment buildings thereon. The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Further information can be obtained at the office of the Commanding Engineer, Albert Barracks, Auckland. Barracks, Auckland, Commissariat, N.Z. Feancis Innes, D.A.C.G.

No. 3. Memorandum by the Hon. D. McLean. General Government Offices, Auckland, 23rd March, 1870. With reference to Lieutenant-Colonel Elliot's letter to His Excellency, of the 22nd instant, stating that he is prepared to hand over the Albert Barracks on Friday next, the Defence Minister requests

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO WAR DEPARTMENT PROPERTY IN NEW ZEALAND.