REPORT OF THE STARK ENQUIRY COMMISSIONERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2447, 8 November 1886, Page 2

REPORT OF THE STARK ENQUIRY COMMISSIONERS.

The Government on • Saturday received tho report of tho Stark Enquiry uimmissionora—Colonel Haultain, Messrs G. W, Aarvey, and R. Westenra. The report Btates that fifty witnesses were piamtned, oft oath, the Commissioners permitting tho utmost latitude, in their , ep&mitiation, crosß-examination, and re- : examination' The evidence given by the experts as to the value of the land, differed considerably, ranging from £15,0.00 to £B,OOO. Referring to the experts, the Commissioners Bay"As they differed so materially in their valuations, we found it impossible to fix definitely the exact value of the land. Mr Stark had been endeavoring to sell

mm.J'l'»EH-_ll in i mm mm^mf^Jßtiffj portions of tho. block- at compatmvely low prices-since Juno; 1884, thrdup •variousagents,, and in. February', Iwi- , . he-placed whole blook hi -Mr hands .for sale at £7,600, and tkps ■ little doubt but at that time the: GoWrn'i-: ■ ■ -■• might have obtained it- fot that^iiiloUnt''" ■"'! had they obtained a" private, agent to • ■ securo it; but in April, 1885, when they, had enterod upon tho land to ; Survey the site for tho battery, Mr Stark; withdrew it from private'sale, saying that the Government wero going to take it, and that ho now expected to get £IO,OOO for it." The Commissioners go on to say that they think the price paid for tho land wasinexceßa/of its value; but are of opinion there was no itrogularity in tbjgj mode of 'conducting or completing tj»'• purchase. They entirely acquit Mr Soa« • man, the valuer, of any complicity to defraud the Government. They ascribe hiscondrtct as over-valuins tKo'; land as a , desire on his part to benefit the Property Tax Department.—PrWs".-.'-