He
"
12.
584
As illustrating the difficulties that present themselves in the local settlement of this matter, on the 31st of May last, with a view to ascertaining the full extent of Military claims, and because I had noticed on a Military plan of Saiwan Hill a large area marked "Military Reservation" around the Lyemoon Barracks, I addressed a letter, of which I enclose a copy, to the Major-General Commanding the Troops, but up to the present time my request has not been complied with. I also enclose copies of my letter 225/0 of the 31st October, 1901, and of the reply of 8th November instant. I shall be glad if you will move the Secretary of State for War to give instructions that my request be acceded to, as until this is done this Government cannot know the full particulars of the claims of the Military Authorities as regards Military Lands.
13.
In connection with the claim of the War Department to consider Military Reserve Lands as a valuable asset exchangeable for other lands, I would add that if the War Department had originally yielded up any War Department Land in exchange for the restriction which this Government placed on lands afterwards styled Military Reserve Lands, the present pretensions of the War Office might have some solid basis.
14.
The points submitted to you in my Despatch No.194 of the 23rd May last involve questions seriously affecting the welfare of the Colony, which is rapidly expanding, and of which land is the most valuable asset. While I acknowledge to the fullest extent the duty of the Colony to