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9.
I beg that you will do all that is in your power to induce the Army Council to take some action in regard at least to the Gun Club Hill matter without any further delay. Otherwise, as I have already indicated, it is to be feared that the Legislative Council will insist on the Colony's withdrawing from the agreement altogether. This would be a hardship to the whole commmity, as the continued existence of Murray Barracks and Parade Ground is a very serious check to the normal development of the city, but I am certain that it would also eventually prove to be much to the disadvantage of the War Office.
On this occasion we have come forward as
the suppliants, asking the Army Council to move their
establishments as a favour to us for which we are ready to
pay a high price. It cannot, however, be disputed by anybody who knows the circumstances that the site of Murray Barracks is growing a less and less suitable locality for such a purpose and I am confident that, if the troops are not moved now, it will not be long before
the Military Authorities desire to move them for reasons
of military administration. When that time comes, the position will be reversed: the Army Council will be the suitors and the Colony will be in a position to demand its pound of flesh and it is not likely that the Legislative Council will be found always in as accommodating a frame
of mind as it was last year.
May I, in conclusion, suggest for the consideration of the Army Council that there are bound to be in the future many cases where the Military Authorities desire to obtain some favour or concession from the Colony
and that if they drive a hard bargain with us now, they
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