No. 17.
Mr. J. W. Preece to Mr. R. C. Barstow.
Sir,—
I have the honor to make application for permission to invite the representatives of the Press to be present at the inquiry which is about to take place before you in reference to my land-purchase transactions. My object in making this application is in order that the fullest publicity may be given to both the actual nature of the charges and to my reply to them, as a statement has already appeared in one of the daily newspapers that the charges are of a "sweeping character;" the article containing the statement having been headed in the most conspicuous type with the words "Native Lands and Native Jobbery." I would, therefore, respectfully request that an opportunity may be afforded me of giving the whole matter publicity in the way I have indicated.
I have, &c.,
J. W. Preece.
R. C. Barstow, Esq., Resident Magistrate, Auckland.