COPY.
Enclosure.
C. O. 930/482
Honourable Colonial Secretary.
RECO
Root O JAN AL
Since writing the accompanying letter, my attention has been directed to the fact that these arrears of Crown Rent covered a period from 25th December 1897 to 28th April 1898 when the property was held by Edward Sharp's estate.
The question therefore is whether the Naval Authorities should pay the proportionate amount of Crown Rent for that period, amounting to $378.58. In connection with this it must be remembered (1) that Edward Sharp's estate has no liability, as we can call on the registered owners only for payment, and the Naval Authorities were such at the date when payment was due, and (2) no doubt this portion of Crown Rent due was taken into account in the purchase.
The result is that the Naval Authorities have got the lot cheaper than they should have done as although the purchase was made only on the 29th April, yet the Crown