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under the instructions of the Representatives when they ob-
tain representation".
On 10th. January, 1898, the Crown Solicitor writes again, pointing out the delay and loss of time and saying it may be necessary to consider the advisability of communicating with the representatives in England direct. The Crown Solicitor now states in his minute of 5th. Februa-
ry, 1898, that he has received no reply to his letter of 10th January but that he understands Mr. Bird of Messrs. Linstead & Davis is expected to arrive here on 4th. March and that he will be in a position to do something definite.
Although there seems, at first sight, some de-
lay, it must be remembered that these negotiations have been
lokile prolonged owing to the executors being in England which the property (of considerable value) is in Hong-Kong; and the executors naturally require a reasonable time to ascertain the value of the property and consider the offer.
If Mr. Bird (of Linstead & Davis) accepts the
offer of 8th. October there will be no necessity for further
then delay, Should he decline the offer there would be a failure
of negotiations" and then notice under section 3 s.s. (2) of
23 of 1889 should be published in the Gazette and affixed
upon the land, and "such publication shall be deemed to be
notice
k