C—s a

2

Jambs McKerrow, Dunedin, to J. F. Johnson, Secretary, Land Purchase Board, Wellington. (Telegram.) 11th August, 1897. I have received your telegram re payment of Batger. (2.) If Drake is paid, ask Mr. Marchant to assume possession of land, and order Drake to remove stock. (3.) Do not understand your allusion to Foster and Eangiatia. Has Foster accepted my offer to purchase ? (4.) I leave for Conical Hills to-morrow morning.

Batger and Menzies, Invercargill, to James McKerrow, Esq., Land Purchase Commissioner, Wellington. (Telegram.) 4th August, 1897. Can you oblige by arranging for cheque reach here before Monday next ? Beply. Mr. Vincent.—Eeport: W. J. C. 6th August, 1897. The Accountant. —It was posted on the 4th, at 2.15., and would catch the southern mail which closed at 3.20.—P.W.V. 6th August, 1897. For Land Purchase Inspector (Mr. J. McKerrow). —W. J. C. 6th August, 1897.

J. F. Johnson, Secretary, Land Purchase Board, Wellington, to Messrs. Menzies and Batger (care of Henderson and Batger), Invercargill. (Telegram.) 6th August, 1897. Otahu cheque posted by Treasury on 4th, at 2.15; would catch mail at 3.20; should reach Invercargill to-night's express.

(Memorandum.) Government Buildings, Wellington. 2nd August, 1897. Otahu Estate. —In compliance with the Crown Solicitor's request in his letter to you dated the 19th ultimo, I herewith return conveyance and memorandum of transfer of the above estate for registration and final completion. The purchase-moaey (£7,555 4s. 6d.) will most likely be payable in Invercargill on or about the 10th instant, as already stated to you in Mr. McKerrow's telegram of even date. The voucher is countersignable by you. Kindly return deeds when registered for deposit in this office. J. F. Johnson, Secretary to Land Purchase Board. The Commissioner Crown Lands, Invercargill.

Batger and Menzies, Invercargill, to McKerrow, Esq., Land Purchase Commissioner, Wellington. (Telegram.) 31st July, 1897. Kindly reply when settlement Otahu will be made.

(Telegram.) 28th July, 1897. Mortgagee of Otahu is willing to accept payment immediately on receipt of Government cheque. D. Baeron, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill. J. McKerrow, Esq., Chairman of the Land Purchase Board, Wellington.

(Telegram.) 28th July, 1897. Re payments of Otahu.—The voucher can be passed in at once, but before my doing so please ascertain if Printz, mortgagee, is willing to take his money as soon as proffered, because unless he is so there will be no use in forwarding Government cheque to lie dead for a time. D. Barron, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill. Jambs McKeerow.

(Memorandum.) Government Buildings, Wellington, 28th July, 1897. " The Land for Settlements Act, 1894." —Messrs. Menzies and Batger, the owners of the Otahu Estate, having accepted the offer made by the Government to purchase that property, the sum of £7,555 4s. 6d. will be required for the purchase thereof immediately. A further sum will be required for survey, roading, &c, but of this you will be advised by the Survey Department at a later date. The purchase will in future be known as " Otahu." The Secretary to the Treasury, Wellington. Jambs McKbeeow, Chairman.

(Telegram.) 27th July, 1897. Me. Batger informs me they have sold part of the stock, and remainder will be disposed of shortly, and also that dissolution of partnership necessitates immediate winding-up of the estate. D. Baeron, J. McKerrow, Esq., Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill. Chairman, Land Purchase Board. Wellington.