CO129-283 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [5-6] — Page 447

E & B

different manner from lands outside those limits?

The argument of the Military Authorities so

far as I can gather, is that the restrictions placed upon

building upon lands within Military reserves make the lands

valueless for building purposes, and reduce the selling value

of the land to almost nil: that the value of the lands being

very small, such lands should be transferred to the Military

Authorities at a nominal sum.

12. As I understand it, lands within Military

Reserves may not be sold for building purposes without the

consent of the Military Authorities and only on condition

that in warfare buildings Created thereon are destroyed no

compensation will be given.

13. This restriction would by no means prevent

purchasers of the lands coming forward if the Military

Authorities would consent to allow buildings to be erected,

If the Military Authorities refused that consent but pro-

ceeded themselves to build barracks, it seems evident that

their action would be inconsistent and that the chances of

buildings erected being destroyed in warfare are considered

by them to be infinitesimal.

Purchasers under condition of having no claim

to compensation would arise, first, because they would be ready

to take the small risk of their buildings being destroyed; se-

condly, because compensation, in the event of a successful war,

would no doubt be obtained from the defeated enemy, and third-

ly because, in the event of a foreign foe proving victorious,

a