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have travelled on Wednesday night, and, as things have turned out, it is well I was here to-day. I shall, as you direct, be in Wellington on Sunday. D. M. Luckib.

D. M. Luckie, Esq., Dunedin. Wellington, 26th December, 1884. You should have insisted on full amount certified by Premier. As it is, it seems to me we ought to pay Pym the quarter difference. Will wire A.D.C. approval purchase. Julius Vogbl.

Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, Wellington. Dunedin, 26th December, 1884. Luckie has arranged commission with vendors; so sale may be completed. He will leave here to-morrow. .... Eobeet Stout.

Deab Mr. Pym,— Dunedin, 26th December, 1884. I have the pleasure to intimate to you that I this morning arranged with Mr. Eeid that your claim for commission on the purchase of the Wise-corner allotment will be recognised to the extent of 1 per cent, on the amount of the purchase-price. Mr. Eeid, who was the medium through whom the transaction was finally completed, this morning agreed that that amount should be paid to you as commission out of the amount paid to the vendor. Thanking you for your assistance, Believe me, &c, Montagu Pym, Esq., Dunedin. D. M. Luckie.

Deab Sic, — Government Insurance Department, Dunedin, 26th December, 1884. The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer instructs me that he has telegraphed to you recommending that there be placed before His Excellency the Governor papers respecting the purchase of an allotment of land, and buildings thereon, in the City of Dunedin called " Wise's Corner." The papers are herewith enclosed. You will observe a memorandum on the lower corner of the paper immediately below this, addressed by the Premier to His Excellency. Will you be good enough to lay that memorandum before His Excellency in order that the recommendation therein may be approved ? It is a matter of urgency that the approval of the Governor be soon obtained, and the fact of his signature notified to the Colonial Treasurer as early as possible by telegraph. I understand that Sir Julius Vogel has mentioned this to you. I have, &c, The Aid-de-Camp, Government House, D. M. Luckie, Christchurch. Government Insurance Commissioner. P.S.—I would have personally delivered these papers at Government House ; but lam passing through straight to Wellington, and am thus necessitated to transmit them through another channel in order to save time.—D. M. L. His Excellency the Governor's approval will be found under the Hon. the Premier's recommendation on next paper to this.—C. V. E., 29th December, 1884. Seen.— J. V. Eeceived, 30th December, 1884.—D. M. L.

Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, Wellington. Christchurch, 28th December, 1884. I appbove purchase Wise Corner, Dunedin, as proposed. Goveenor.

Basil Sievwright, Esq., Dunedin. Wellington, 29th December, 1884. Goveenoe has approved purchase of corner. Please close if not already completed, and make necessary arrangements for transfer of property. Will you be good enough to describe the terms arranged respecting the leases of tenants? If Glover has not paid rent the office might occupy pending building. D. M. Luckie.

Hon. the Colonial Treasurer. I duly intimated to Mr. Pym that the vendors, as represented by Mr. Reid, had, on my representation, agreed to pay him a commission of 1 per cent, on the purchase-money of Wise's-Corner property in Dunedin, it being acknowledged that he was the agent by whom the transaction was initiated, and recommended, and therefore entitled to payment. He contended that he was fairly entitled to the very moderate allowance of 1|- per cent, on account of his services; and you will observe that to this amopnt the Hon. the Premier (who deems it moderate) appears to consider Mr. Pym is entitled. Mr. Pym has enabled the department to secure what both the Premier and Mr. Sievwright (whose opinions I share after careful inquiry and consideration) consider as the very best available corner in Dunedin. One and a fourth per cent, is a low rate of commission, and I agree with you that the J per cent, should be paid to Mr. Pym by the department; and I beg to recommend that this amount, which is on £35,500, be paid to him accordingly. I could pay it out of the imprest lying at my credit in the Bank of New Zealand, at Dunedin, and thus save exchange. 29th December, 1884. D. M. Luckie. Papers attached. Those respecting the purchase, final closing, &c, and Premier's recommendation, are with His Excellency, to whom I transmitted on Saturday night.—D. M. L. If you have not had a telegram respecting the Governor's signature, may I suggest the propriety of telegraphing the A.D.C. on the subject?—D. M. L. Approve payment. — J. V. 29th December, 1884. Telegraph Mr. Pym that will wire him to-morrow.—D. M. L.

D. M. Luckie, Esq., Wellington. Dunedin, 30th December, 1884. Wieed Sir Julius this morning. Am seeing Eeid. and closing purchase. Will send particulars by post when closed. You have the printed paper about tenants. Basil Sievwbight.