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combating the claims and pretensions of the War Office in respect of compensation for Military Reserve Lands offered to be exchanged. I deny that that Department has any claim under the Circular of 30th December, 1894, to compensation or exchange in respect of lands other than those of which it has a right of perpetual user, which is the only right of the War Office which my Government admits.
10.
It is my opinion, which has been expressed to you before, that in future no lands should be acquired by the Military Authorities except as War Department Land, that is, that all lands required in future for any Military purpose whatsoever shall be acquired either at full value in cash or in exchange for lands of which the War Department now has a right of perpetual user.
I cannot see the justice to the Colony of alienating lands except at their fair market value.
I contend that the Military Authorities have no legal or moral claim to make a bargain in respect of fresh lands in exchange for Military Reserve Lands which they announce to be no longer required for the purposes of defence.
11.
I have the greater confidence in the position which I take up when I remember that the Military Contribution has been increased to 20% of the Revenue of this Colony, and that, by section 5 of Ordinance No. 1 of 1901, that percentage is deemed to be a contribution including, inter alia, all capital expenditure required for Military lands and buildings.
12.