IMMIGRATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4163, 24 July 1874, Page 3

IMMIGRATION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —A careful perusal of the official correspondence between the Hon. Mr. “Vogel and the Agent-General, induces me to address you upon this subject, desiring that any suggestions I may offer in the interests of the Colony may not be misconstrued. Judging from the description and appearance of the emigrants thus far introduced, they certainly cannot be classed in the first rank. They likewise bear the indelible stamp of selection from manufacturing and other towns, in place of agricultural districts. As laborers no doubt they will he found useful, but I cannot believe in their efficiency for land settlement, Mr. Vogel, by the spirited determination he has displayed of at once developing this grand country, in preference to permitting it to crawl into the high position that naturally pertains to it, has truly deserved the high eulogiums passed upon him ; but it still behoves him to consider in carrying out so rapidly, for so young a Colony, gigantic undertakings of this nature, how much its future welfare and prosperity will depend, bothmorally and physically, upon the present vast introduction of new fife into it. Hallways, tramways, and roads are about to open out large tracts of fine country, and it is to their settlement I think special attention should be given by the introduction of immigrants thoroughly eligible for this purpose, viz,, small farmers. My knowledge of England is extensive, and I doubt if many are procurable there, whereas in Scotland and Ireland (more particularly in the latter country) largo supplies can he obtained, if properly canvassed for, and sufficient inducement offered. Eor the capacity of the Irish laborers as firstclass settlers I can vouch. Shortly after the potato famine, on tailing possession of a property in County Wexford, which I desired to improve, it became necessary to get rid of a number of small buildings upon it. The operation was not only difficult, but dangerous. All other means failing, I hit upon the expedient of paying the passage money for the whole of the occupants from Cork to Queensland, and handing them there forty acre grants on. arrival, upon the verbal condition only, that before the expiration of three years they should remit me the amount of their passage. To their honor ho it said nearly the whole of it was sent, sickness accounting for the deficiency. Visiting that country shortly aftowards, I found them settled upon well-to-do farms, a prosperous and contented people. The old system of con-acre in Ireland has made every agricultural laborer a small farmer. As an instance of this, in making a heavy cutting for a head race, I had to employ some 200 hands (wages then 6d. per day.) Out of this whole lot I could not pick a man that was not capable of doing any work on the farm, and doing it well too. That this country can, therefore, furnish the right class of emigrants I have not the slightest doubt. Naturally lazy there, satisfied with the mud shanty, the pig and the potatoes, they throw off all their sloth on quitting it, and become an industrious, and, as a rule, sober race. Another great point in their favor is, they are inured to hardship, and in first settling upon new country here, there is no small amount of privation to undergo. To that extent that few would like to tackle what these emigrants would cheerfully accept. As a further acquisition, all the money saved is sent home for their relatives (and their name is legion) to join them, as shown by the enormous amounts forwarded from America.^ Having, I fear, been too prolix in my recommendations of this people, I will proceed to state how and where they are obtainable. Head agencies in Belfast, Dublin, and Queenstown will not attract them, nor have I any faith in local agents, who, for the sake of head money, will not he sufficiently particular in their choice. It must be homo in mind, likewise, that it is very difficult to move an Irish family alone. They will go in a mob, but not otherwise. It becomes a necessity, therefore, to be successful, to discourse and negotiate with them cn imasc. Ireland offers the opportunity. On stated days, in every month, published in their almanacs, in all the large towns of each county, are held fairs, principally for the

barter of stock and farm produce. To my knowledge, for I have been at many of them, these fairs are visited by the small farmers m their vicinity, attended by their wives, who, in a negotiation of this kind, will have much influence. . Ho better opportunity than this could well be afforded for canvassing, and more success will be attained thus in one day, than in canvassing the country for a month. The propositions will at once become generally circulated. The advantages offered freely discussed, and if clearly and justly placed before them, I am satisfied in the present disorganised state of the country, and the cessation of emigration to America, free choice can be made amongst those so truly described as “ the finest peasantry in the world.” Much must of course depend upon the tact and ability of the canvasser, who, besides being well up in New Zealand statistics, should be thoroughly acquainted with their nature and habits. An agent with a small wellselected class of paid officials would be able, by attending these fairs in succession, to secure the cream of the country. Without presuming to recommend any alteration of the present system, I venture to suggest that emigrants of this class might be granted land ; if not free, then upon easy deferred payments. It is with regret I read the criticisms of the Press upon the Agent-General’s proceedings. It surely cannot be expected that in so large and hasty a collection of emigrants by .local agents the mauvais sujet can be entirely excluded. The onerous duties he has had to perform, almost unaided, have borne a result truly marvellous—over 20,000 people shipped in six months, in the face of powerful opposition for other countries. I will conclude by mooting the question whether America in its present depressed state does not offer a good field for securing superior emigrants, who, by way of Panama, could be cheaply and quickly forwarded. —I am, &c., Chas. J. Pownall. Wellington, July 23.