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the Military Reserve I find that the one to the North was granted as War Department land in 1859 and that the centre one on which the Barracks stand was so granted in 1891, the boundaries of the latter being subsequently slightly modified. It does not, however, appear that any formal documents were prepared except the plans. The Southern site was granted for a redoubt in 1894. It is not proposed to question the War Department's ownership to these sites.
11. Deducting their area 80 acres there remains within the chain dotted line on the plan, of which a copy has been furnished to your Department by the War Office, an area of 142 acres which the Director of Public Works values as follows:-
Premium:- 142 acres @ 3 cents per Square Foot.... $186,219.00
Crown Rent:- 142 acres @ $100 per acre .... $14,250
Total.... $200,469.00
and this at 25 years purchase.. $356,250.00
a valuation Mr. P. N. H. Jones states to be low in view of the extensive sea frontage of the site, its accessibility from Victoria by the recently opened tramway, and its obvious advantages as a Sanitarium.
12. Pending the acceptance of this valuation by the Army Council the local Military Authorities have been put in exclusive possession of the land.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Enclosure 2. 4th October, 1904.
P.S. Governor, &c..
I annex a copy of a minute by Mr. E. H. Sharp, Attorney-General, endorsing the views expressed in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Despatch.