IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND. LETTERS FROM THE AGENT-GENERAL.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, D-02d

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND.

LETTERS FROM THE AGENT-GENERAL.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency. No. 1. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 203.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 4th April, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that the following vessels with emigrants will sail for New Zealand during April and May : — "William Davie," from Glasgow to Otago, April sth, with from 100 to 120 emigrants. " Schiehallion," from London to Wellington, April 9th, with 100 intended to be forwarded to Picton. " Celestial Queen," London to Auckland, April 17th, with from 120 to 150. " Halcione," London to AVellington, April 24th, with from 150 to 200. " Merope," London to Lyttelton, May Ist, with 200. " Hamburg " to Lyttelton, May 15th, with from 300 to 320. " Hamburg " to Otago, May 30th, with about 300. In all probability two other vessels will sail from Scotland about the end of May or first week in June, with full complements, one for Napier, the other for Otago. I also hope that a vessel will be despatched about the Ist of June from Christiania to Napier, with some 200 Scandinavians; and should Messrs. Brogden succeed in engaging the labourers they require, some 300 or 400 more emigrants may be expected to sail during the period above stated. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington, New Zealand. Agent-General.

No. 2. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 216.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Bib,— 19th April, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " William Davie," from Glasgow for Dunedin, on or about the 10th instant, with 104 assisted emigrants, equal to 91 j statute adults. I send enclosed the originals of the promissory notes signed by the emigrants. The account of the vessel is not yet complete, and, with a detailed list of the passengers, shall be forwarded by the next San Francisco Mail. Under the arrangement with Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., the owners of the ship, those gentlemen appoint and remunerate the surgeon, Dr. James Miller; and, with the exception of a small sum of £5 to be paid to the matron, Mrs. B. Best (if her duties should be properly performed), no gratuities are promised to any of the officers in the vessel. It will be for the Government to decide, after the report of the Inspecting Officer has been sent in, whether any " headmoney "or other allowance should be paid to the master and surgeon of the ship. An order for payment of the second moiety of the passage money (copy herewith) has been given to the owners of the vessel. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S. —I think it right to draw the attention of the Government to the difference between the rate of passage-money charged by Messrs. P. Henderson and Co. for these emigrants (£l4 ss. per adult), and the rate paid to Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. for the emigrants despatched from London (£l3 per adult). This difference is explained by the circumstance that, up to the present time, I have not been able to make any contracts with Messrs. Henderson. I—D. 2d.

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No. 3. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 246.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 2nd May, 1872. Referring to my letter No. 216, dated 19th April, I have the honor to send herewith, tho ship's book of the "AVilliam Davie." This return furnishes full particulars of the occupation, nationality, Ac, of the emigrants, and explains the manner in which, in each instance, the account of passage money is made up. I enclose also duplicates of the promissory notes given by the emigrants. As already advised, the ship sailed from the Clyde on or about the 10th April. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 4. Mr. J. Morrison to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 296.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 14th June, 1872. I have the honor to report that the ship " Hovding," having on board 376 Scandinavian emigrants, equal to 292| adults, sailed from Christiania on the 31st ultimo for Napier, Hawke's Bay. Full particulars will be forwarded by the mail via San Francisco, on the 27th instant. I have, Ac, John Mobbison, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. (in tho absence of the Agent-General).

No. 5. Mr. J. Morrison to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 297.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 14th June, 1872. I have the honor to transmit herewith a list of the vessels which have been or are to be despatched with emigrants for the year ending the 30th instant, together with a note of the arrangements for July next. I have, Ac, John Morrison, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. (in the absence of the Agent-General).

Enclosure in No. 5. List of Emigkant Vessels to Sail. For Auckland, ... " Parsee," ... To sail 7th January, 1873. For Canterbury, ... A ship, ... To sail 14th January, 1873. For Nelson, ... A ship, ... To sail 20th January, 1873. For Otago, ... " Oberon," ... To sail 15th January, 1873. For Wellington, ... A ship, ... To sail 29th January, 1873. For Auckland, ... A ship, ... To sail sth February, 1873. For Canterbury, ... A ship, ... To sail 12th February, 1873. ForOtago, ... A ship, ... To sail 19th February, 1873. For "Wellington, ... A ship, ... To sail 26th February, 1873. For Canterbury, ... A ship, ... To sail 3rd March, 1873. ForOtago, ... A ship, ... To sail 7th March, 1873.

No. 6. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 305.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 19th June, 1872. I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of the agreement with the owner of the " Hovding." for the conveyance by that vessel of Government emigrants from Christiania to Hawke's Bay; and I beg to inform you, in reference to the disembarkation of the emigrants at Napier, that, in the event of the expenses incurred by the owners of the ship in landing the emigrants exceeding the sum of £25, I have undertaken that the excess will be paid by the Government. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. Enclosure in No. 6. Agreement. London, 10th May, 1872. It is this day mutually agreed between Mr. A. B. Bull, owner of the Norwegian ship or vessel called the " Hovding," classed 3-3 French and A 1 Norwegian Veritas, and yellow metalled, of Fonsberg, of

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the burthen of 840 tons register or thereabouts, whereof C. B. Berg is at present master, and now in Norway, or on her way thither from Hamburg, on the one part, and Isaac Earl Featherston, Esq., Agent-General in England for the Government of New Zealand, acting on behalf of the said Government, on the other part. That the said ship being tight, staunch, and strong, and every way fitted for the voyage, shall, with all convenient speed, sail and proceed to Christiania, and be made ready for the reception of passengers in between decks, and after being made ready and approved by the proper officers under the Norwegian Emigration Acts, and by the party of the second part or officer acting for him, shall receive on board from the agents of the said Agent-General any number of 'tween-deck passengers, with their bedding, supplies, and all other effects : Provided always that it is perfectly understood and agreed, that the said Agent-General does not, either by himself or his agents, guarantee any specific number of emigrants to be put on board. The owner of the ship has leave to take cabin passengers in addition to the 'tween-deck passengers. The passengers to be allowed room for 20 cubic feet per statute adult of luggage, freight free, all excess to be paid for at the rate of Is. per cubic foot. Being so loaded, the ship shall therewith on or before the 30th instant—wind and weather permitting—proceed to Napier, NewZealand, or so near thereunto as she may safely get, always lying afloat, and deliver the same on being paid passage money as follows : — For each statute adult emigrant—that is to say, persons above the age of twelve years, whether male or female, or any two persons between the age of one y-ear and twelve years, are to be statute adults or equal thereto —£12 sterling per head, children from one to twelve years of age making half an adult. Infants belonging to the said passengers, under one year, free. In consideration of which the owner agrees to supply all the provisions, water and stores, in accordance with the dietary scale approved by the Norwegian emigration officers, to fit up the 'tween-decks and allow the spaces aforesaid to each statute adult passenger, ventilate the vessel, provide proper hospitals, dispensary, waterclosets, a pump and hose for drawing water from the hold, cooking apparatus, and supply all articles required by the Norwegian Emigration Act to the satisfaction of the surveyors and of the party of the second part or his officer, and to provide a suitable supply of medical comforts, to be approved of by the party of the second part. Schedules of the provisions and medical comforts are attached hereto, and are marked respectively A. and B. In like manner the sum of £30 sterling will be paid for any cabin passenger or passengers the Agent-General may direct to go by the ship, and these sums do not include wines or spirits of any kind, which, if required, will have to be paid for extra. In the event of the expenses incurred by the owners of the ship in landing the emigrants exceeding the sum of £25, the excess will be paid by the Agent-General. The said A. B. Bull will give a free passage out and home to the surgeon appointed by the AgentGeneral, with a state room, and mess at the captain's table, without wines or spirits. The act of God, the Queen's enemies, restraints of princes and rulers, fire, and all and any and every other dangers and accidents of the sea, rivers and navigation of what kind and nature soever, during the said voyage, always mutually accepted. The passage money is to be paid as follows: —One half in cash in London, against owners' written order, within fourteen days from the date the ship has sailed, or has been towed from port to proceed on her voyage, for every passenger embarked; the other half to be paid by the said Government of New Zealand within seven days from the arrival at the port of destination of the ship, in bank bills at thirty days in London at par, or in cash, at the option of the captain, for every passenger disembarked, all free of commission. On arrival at the port of disembarkation, the master shall transmit a nominal list of all the passengers on board, signed by himself and the surgeon, to the Immigration Officer acting in that capacity. This list shall be a list of the passengers embarked, with a note against the name of each individual who from any cause may not be landed alive, stating the reason thereof, and added thereto the name and description of infant who may have been born on the voyage. Five clear working or lay days shall be allowed for the disembarkation of the passengers, exclusive of the day of arrival. The Government of New Zealand shall pay demurrage at the rate of 4{i. per ton register per day for every day the ship is detained by them beyond the period, besides the expenses of victualling the passengers on board ; and until these lay days shall have finally expired, or all the passengers shall have finally quitted the ship, bulk shall not be broken or the berths of the passengers disturbed, except with the consent of the Immigration Officer acting in that capacity. If at the port of disembarkation the ship shall be placed in quarantine, the passengers shall be victualled at the expense of the said owner, either in the ship or in any other lazarette or receiving ship to which they may be removed during the five clear days allowed for disembarkation; but if the Government of New Zealand or their officers shall require the passengers to remain in the ship beyond this period, they shall be victualled at the expense of the said Government of New Zealand, or their officers shall require the passengers to remain in the ship. Beyond this period they shall be victualled at the expense of the said Government, and demurrage paid by them as already provided. No second moiety shall be payable with respect of any passenger who before the expiration of the lay days may die in quarantine, either in the ship or in any lazarette to which he may have been removed. The present charter-party shall be taken to be made by the aforesaid Agent-General of the Government of New Zealand in his official capacity only, and no liability whatever arising out of it shall attach personally to him or to his private estate and effects. I. E. Featherston. For and by authority of A. B. Bull — Signed by the said I. E. Featherston, O. Miller. in presence of —A. 0. Ottywell. A true copy of the original charter-party in our possession. Galrraith, Stringer, Pembroke, and Co.

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No. 7. Tho Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 318.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 24th June, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that Dr. Med. Noovegaard, the surgeon in charge of the emigrants per " Hovding," from Christiania, has been paid in advance the sum of £50 as remuneration for his services, and that he is entitled to a further payment at the rate of ss. per statute adult for all the emigrants landed at the port of destination. I have, Ac. I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 8. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretaey. (No. 347.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 27th June, 1872. I have the honor to report that the day after my arrival in Christiania (29th May), I inspected the ship " Hovding " and all tho emigrants then on board. I regret to say that the inspection was not satisfactory as far as the fittings and arrangements of the vessel were concerned; and further, that I found to my great surprise, that while the Government regulations in regard to all emigrant ships are exceedingly minute and stringent in Sweden and Denmark, they are very imperfect in Norway. The Norwegian Act authorizes the King to make what regulations he pleases, but His Majesty does not appear to have exercised this power. The Act itself simply orders the Inspector to ascertain that the space allotted to the emigrants and the supply of water are in accordance with the requirements of the law, and requires that the emigrants, before sailing, should undergo a medical examination by the chief medical officer of the port. But it makes no provision for a dietary scale, for ventilation, for hospitals, medical comforts, separation of the emigrants, Ac. It was only after refusing to pass the ship that I succeeded in effecting all tho alterations and changes that, under the circumstances, were possible. Partitions were put up between the single men and the married couples, and between the latter and the single women ; the ventilation was materially improved by cutting four additional holes in the deck ; hospitals were erected on the deck ; a proper supply of medical comforts was put on board; and the dietary scale considerably modified, in substituting a meat diet for four days and fish for three days in the week, instead of meat on two days and fish on five days as proposed. lamby no means certain that I have cither consulted the wishes or promoted the health of the emigrants, for Norwegians live mainly on fish. I have therefore given permission to the surgeon and captain to substitute fish for meat in case the emigrants desire it. I was at first seriously alarmed when I ascertained that some of the emigrants had been allowed (in defiance of positive and repeated instructions to the contrary) to bring their own bedding on board ; and it was only after receiving certificates (1) from certain Government officers that all such bedding had undergone the disinfecting process at the Government's disinfecting establishment, (2) that no such bedding had been received on board without the stamp on it of the disinfecting office, and (3) from the chief medicai officer that he was satisfied from long experience, in common with most members of tho profession, that bedding so disinfected was certainly not more likely to carry infection than new bedding, that I waived my objections. The medical examination of the emigrants (at which I was present) by the chief medical officer, assisted by the surgeon-superintendent, was exceedingly minute and searching. The emigrants as a body, though exception may perhaps be taken to the parents of three or four large families as being over the stipulated age, appeared to me to have been judiciously selected. lam glad to say that Norway seems more free from small-pox than any other country in Europe, no case having occurred at Christiania or in the surrounding districts for several months. Having thus intimated my dissatisfaction with the arrangements of the "Hovding," I need not say that I shall iv future insist upon more stringent regulations in regard to all ships sailing from foreign ports. It is a considerable relief to my mind that Mr. Friberg accompanies these emigrants ; for though I have purposely refrained from assigning him any official position in the vessel, he fully understands the duties he is expected to discharge. There is no officer you have sent home whom I would so gladly have retained, even though he could not be employed in the way proposed ; but I felt that Mr. Friberg's services in locating the Scandinavians would be invaluable to the Government. lam glad to add that I have received letters from Mr. Friberg and the captain of the " Hovding," off the Isle of Wight, and fourteen days out from Christiania, reporting "all well." The number of emigrants on board the " Hovding" is as follows : — 74 married men ... ... ... =74 adults. 76 „ women ... ... ... =76 „ 125 children, 1-12 years ... = 62$ 21 infants ... ... ... ... „ 59 single women ... ... ... =59 „ 21 single men ... =21 „ Total ... ... ... 292^ „

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The detailed list, giving their names, ages, occupations, Ac, is forwarded, together with their promissory notes, in a separate packet. The rate of passage money is £12 per adult, the first moiety of which has been paid ; and I beg to enclose copy of an order on the Resident Minister for Public Works in favour of Captain Berg for the second moiety, payable on tho landing of the emigrants at Napier. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington, New Zealand. Agent-General.

No. 9. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 348.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 27th June, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that the under-noted vessels are fixed to sail with emigrants to New Zealand during the ensuing month, viz.: — " Queen Bee," for Auckland, To sail 16th July. " Palmerston" (from Hamburg), Otago, „ 17th „ " May Queen," Otago, „ 25th „ " Lady Jocelyn," Canterbury, „ 31st ~ A ship, for Wellington and Nelson „ 31st „ I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 10. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 360.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— llth July, 1872. Referring to my letter No. 334, of 25th ultimo., forwarded via San Francisco, I have now the honor to enclose herewith the ship's book of the " St. Leonard's" for Canterbury. This return furnishes full particulars of the occupations, nationality, Ac, of the emigrants, and explains the manner in which, in each instance, the amount of passage money is made up. I am, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S. —Duplicates of the promissory notes taken from the emigrants are also enclosed.

No. 11. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 361.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib— llth July, 1872. Refc 'ring to my letter No. 335, of 24th ultimo, forwarded via San Francisco, I have now the honor to enclose herewith the ship's books (two) of the "Ballarat." This return furnishes full particulars of the occupation, nationality, Ac, of the emigrants, and explains the manner in which, in each instance, the amount of passage money is made up. I also forward the duplicate promissory notes taken from the emigrants. I am, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General,

No. 12. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 363.) 7, Westminister Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— llth July, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Bebington" for Wellington, on the Ist instant, with emigrants equal to 217. statute adults, of which 67 J were assisted through this office, and the remainder are proceeding under Messrs. Brogden's arrangement. 1 send enclosed the certified list of emigrants who sailed in the vessel, the original promissory notes taken from those who havo been assisted by the Government, as also the ship's book, furnishing full particulars of their occupations, nationality, Ac. The under-stated gratuifies will be payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, if approved by the Government: —To Mr. D. P. James, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and head money at the rate of 10s. per adult, on the number of emigrants landed; to Miss Seager, matron, £5; constables, ordinary, £2 eacli; constables, special, £5. (See Instructions to Surgeons herewith.) I am, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 13. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 364.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— llth July, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that Mr. D. P. James, surgeon-superintendent of the ship "Bebington," has, at his request, been allowed an advance of £12 4s. 3d., details of which are given in the enclosed invoice. The sum is to be deducted from the gratuity to be paid him in the Colony. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 14. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 369.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 15th July, 1872. Referring to Public AVorks Office Memorandum No. 48, of 17th April last, I have the honor to explain, that when the " Cela.no " sailed for Wellington the terms of the contract with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. were not finally agreed upon. On their being settled, payment was made for the conveyance of the emigrants to Wellington only, leaving the cost of forwarding the 24 emigrants for Napier to be arranged by _he Government in New Zealand. Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. having, however, forwarded these emigrants on to Napier by steamer at their own expense, I have paid them the amount of their claim for this service, viz. £72 sterling. I have Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 15. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 375.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sic,— 21th July, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Queen Bee " for Auckland on the 20th instant, with emigrants equal to 791 adults. I send enclosed the certified list of emigrants who sailed in the vessel, and the original promissory notes taken from them. The detailed account of the vessel shall be forwarded by next mail. The under-stated gratuities, Ac, will be payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, if approved by the Government: —To Mr. Nesbitt, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and head-money at the rate of 10s. per adult on the number of emigrants landed; to the matron, Miss Catherine Jessop, £5 ; to constables, ordinary, £2 each ; to constables, special, £5. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 16. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 385.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 7th August, 1872. I have the honor to append list of the vessels at present fixed to sail from London with emigrants for New Zealand, viz : — For Auckland and Southland, "Agnes Muir," 30th August. For Otago, " Christian McAusland," 3rd September. For Napier, " Chile," 12th September. For Canterbury, " Pleiades," 10th September. For Wellington, a ship, 30th September. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 17. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 393.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 9th August, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Glenlora " yesterday, for Wellington, with assisted emigrants equal to 60 statute adults. Of this number, two persons, namely, Bessie Carpenter and James Mayne, are entitled to be forwarded to Napier at the expense of the Government.

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The certified lists are not yet received from the shipping agents, and cannot therefore be forwarded to the Government by the mail which closes to-night. They shall however be sent by the next San Francisco Mail, on the 23rd instant, and may be expected to reach the Colony several weeks before the vessel arrives in port. The gratuities, Ac, payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, indorsed by the Government, are the under mentioned, namely: —To Dr. E. L'Estrange, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on all the emigrants landed. To Miss Bessie Carpenter, matron, £2 10s. (This person was selected from among the Government emigrants.) To constables, ordinary, £2 ; ditto to attend to water-closets, £5. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 18. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 420.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 22nd August, 1872. I have the honor to send enclosed duplicate of the detailed account of the ship " Queen Bee." The promissory notes taken from tho emigrants who proceeded by that vessel have already been forwarded, in original and duplicate. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 19. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 6th September, 1872. I have the honor to advise you that the ships "Agnes Muir" and "Christian McAusland" sailed from Gravesend yesterday, the former for Auckland with 77, and the latter for Otago with 323, Government immigrants. The under-stated vessels will sail for the following ports, namely:— " Chile," for Napier, on 12th September, with about 250 emigrants. " Pleiades," for Canterbury, on 10th September, with about 120 emigrants. " Jessie Readman," for Wellington, on 20th September, with about 300 emigrants ; and probably a vessel will sail direct for the Bluff on the 30th September, with from 200 to 250 emigrants. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 20. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 441.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— llth September, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship "Agnes Muir," on the sth instant, for Auckland, with assisted emigrants equal to 67 statute adults. I send enclosed tho certified list of emigrants who sailed in the vessel, and the original promissory notes taken from them ; also the ship's book, giving full particulars of the occupations, nationality, Ac, of the emigrants, and explaining the manner in which, in each instance, the amount of passage money is made up. The under-stated gratuities, Ac, will be payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, if approved by the Government: —To Captain Henderson, £15; to Dr. Evershed, surgeonsuperintendent, £50, and head-money at the rate of 10s. per adult on the number of emigrants landed; to the chief officer, £10; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; to the matron, Miss Kightley, £5 ; constables, ordinary, £2 each; constable, special, £5. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 21. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 443.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— llth September, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Christian McAusland," for Otago, on the sth instant, with emigrants equal to 288. statute adults, of which number 202 adults are sent out under Messrs. Brogden's arrangement. I send enclosed the certified list of emigrants who sailed

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in the vessel, with the ship's book, and original promissory notes of those who are forwarded through this office. The under-stated gratuities, Ac, will be payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, if approved by the Government, viz.,—To Captain Tilley, £25; to Dr. Concannon, surgeon-superinten-dent, £50, and head-money at the rate of 10s. per adult on the number of emigrants landed ; to the chief officer, £10; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5; constables, ordinary, £2 each; constable, special, £5; to the matron, Miss Forbes, £5. I have requested the surgeon-superintendent to select a suitable person from among the emigrants and appoint him to be schoolmaster, promising him a free passage in return for his services, if the Government should be satisfied that his duties have been efficiently discharged. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 22. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 449.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 17th September, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Memoranda, No. 82, of 25th June, and No. 95, of 6th July. The former paper encloses copies of letters from the Immigration Officers for Wellington and Canterbury, containing suggestions respecting the lists of immigrants, and passage money returns furnished to the Government by this Department. In Memorandum No. 95, you refer to certain applications made at the various Emigration Offices by persons who have nominated friends in England, requesting refund of the sums paid on the ground of their friends having declined to emigrate. With reference to the ship's list and accounts, you will have gathered from my earlier letters that I have anticipated the instructions of the Government with regard to the adoption of the form hitherto in use by the Canterbury Provincial Government. I regret that owing partly to the necessity of getting the books reprinted (see my letter No. 269, of 15th May), but chiefly on account of the insufficiency of the office staff, some of these accounts were allowed, unavoidably, to fall into arrear. The Government will, lam sure, readily understand my reluctance very largely to increase the staff until I had had experience of the actual necessities of the office work. This work has so greatly increased, and is now so heavy, that in the Emigration Department it is frequently necessary to work twelve hours a day in order to keep pace with the current business. I am glad, however, to be able to state, that the whole of the ships' books which were in arrear have been made up and forwarded ; and that complete lists of afl cancelled (nominated) applications for passages will accompany this letter. AVith reference to the latter, the Government will no doubt give instructions for the refund to the several nominators of the sums respectively deposited by them. I purpose advising you by each (San Francisco) Mail of all cancelled applications to date of writing. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 23. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 452.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Bib, — 18th September, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Chile " for Napier, on the 13th instant, with emigrants equal to 169-i adults, of which number 147 are sent out under Messrs. Brogden's arrangement. I send enclosed the certified list of emigrants who sailed in the vessel, with the ship's book, and promissory notes of those who are forwarded through this office. The under-stated gratuities, Ac, will be payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, if approved by the Government:—To Captain Birch, £25; to Dr. Macan, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and head-money at the rate of 10s. per adult on the number of emigrants landed; to the chief officer, £10; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; to the schoolmaster, Mr. William Malcolm, £10; to the matron, Mrs. Ann Robinson (who was selected from among the single women), I have promised that the note she has signed for £5 shall be cancelled, if it should be found that her duties have been efficiently performed; constables, ordinary, £2 each ; constables, special, £5 each. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 24. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 453.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street. Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 19th September, 1872. With reference to my letter No. 447, of 16th instant, advising the sailing of the ship " Pleiades " with emigrants, and the gratuities and allowances to be paid to the officers of the vessel,

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I have the honor to inform you that an advance of £8 has been made to Dr. Doyle, the surgeonsuperintendent, to enable him to purchase the requisite instruments, Ac This sum should therefore be deducted from the salary aud allowance to be paid to Dr. Doyle on the arrival of the vessel. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 25. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 457.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 25th September, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Jessie Readman " for Wellington, on tho 22nd instant, with emigrants equal to 2GG.j- statute adults, of which number 173^ adults are sent out under Messrs. Brogden's arrangement. I send enclosed the certified list of emigrants who sailed in the vessel, with the ships' book, and original promissory notes of the passengers who were forwarded through this office. The under-stated gratuities, Ac, will be payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, if approved by the Government, viz. : —To Captain Strachan, £25; to Dr. Husband, surgeon-superin-tendent, £50, and head-money at the rate of 10s. per adult on tho number of emigrants landed. (See letter No. , also sent by this mail.) To the chief officer, £10; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; constables, ordinary, £2 each ; constable, special, £5 ; to the matron, Miss Pollen, £5. I have requested the surgeon-superintendent to select a suitable person from among the emigrants and appoint him to be schoolmaster, promising him a free passage in return for his services, if the Government should bo satisfied that his duties have been efficiently discharged. On a separate sheet I append tho names of a number of nominated and other emigrants by the vessel, who are entitled to be forwarded at the expense of the Government to their respective destinations. I have, Ac, - I. E. Featheeston, The Hou. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. Names of Emigeants who are entitled to be forwarded to their destinations at tho expense of the Government. For Nelson. —John Bridges and family, Charles Turner and wife, Thomas Brooker and wife, Mary A. Allmark, Mary Gallagher. For Hawke's Bay. —Thomas Willmot and wife, John Warren and family, George Cox and family, William Arnold and family, Mary Scoblo and infant. For Marlborough. —Miles A. Simpson and family, Joseph AVitts. For Westland. —Eliza Scales.

No. 26. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 459.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A 7ictoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV, Sir,— 25th September, 1872. In another letter, No. , also forwarded by this mail, I have enclosed the lists of passengers who proceeded by the ship " Jessie Readman " for Wellington, on the 22nd instant; and in the same letter, I have advised the gratuities and allowances to be paid to the officers of the vessel on tho recommendation of the Inspecting Officer. The object of tho present communication is to inform you that an advance of £30 has been made to the surgeon-superintendent, Dr. Husband, on account of his gratuity and allowance. A similar sum should therefore be deducted from the amount which will become due to Dr. Husband, under his agreement with the Government, on tho arrival of the vessel at AVellington. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 27. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 463.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A Tictoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV, Sib,— 4th October, 1872. I havo the honor to inform you that the ship "Zealandia" will embark emigrants to-day for Dunedin and tho Bluff. The number engaged for the vessel is 267 statute adults ; of these, about 190 adults are for the Bluff. The number under engagement to Messrs. Brogden is 182.- adults; tho remainder consist of nominated and selected emigrants. The usual list and ship's book shall be forwarded, after tho departure of the vessel, by next mail via San Francisco. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. 2—D. 2d.

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No. 28. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 442.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sir,— 4th October, 1872. Since writing my letter No. 470, 4th October, 1872, I have received from Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. a certificate signed by the Immigration Officer at Wellington (copy of which is enclosed). From it I gather that the complaint made as to the quality of the provisions served out to tho emigrants in the " Halcione" has not been substantiated. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 28. AA rellington, New Zealand, sth August, 1872. I hereby certify that Government immigrants to the number of 2001 statute adults were landed in AVellington, ex " Halcione," on the 27th July, 1872, and that the conditions of the contract with the New Zealand Government were satisfactorily performed. A. Follett Halcombe, Immigration Officer, AVellington.

No. 29. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 442.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV., Sic,— 4th October, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Memorandum of the Hon. the Minister for Public AVorks, No. 100, 1872, dated 3rd August, enclosing copies of the under-stated documents, viz.:— Immigration Officer's report on the ship " Halcione." Immigration Officer's report on the ship " AVilliam Davie." I observe that the " Celestial Queen" had arrived at Auckland; that you had not received the Immigration Officer's report, but that you were informed the voyage of this vessel also was satisfactory. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S.—The document relating to the complaints of certain emigrants on board the " Halcione," to which you refer, was not enclosed. Probably it will arrive by next mail.

No. 30. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. tho Colonial Secretary. (No. 471.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 4th October, 1872. I have the honor to send enclosed a statement showing the number of emigrants despatched for tho Colony during the month of September. I forward also an estimate of the probable number of emigrants to be sent between Ist October and 12th November. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

NUMBER of EMIGRANTS Despatched between 5th and 21st September, 1872.

Ship. Tort. Date of Departure. Souls. Adults. " Agnes Muir" " Christian McAusland " "Pleiades" "Chile" " Jessie Eeadman " Auckland ... Otago Canterbury... Hawke'e Bay Wellington... 5th September, 1872 oth September, 1872 13th September, 1872 13th September, 1872 22nd September, 1872 78 320 120 212 309 67 288| 100 J109 V 266| Total ... I 1,049 892

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PROBABLE NUMBER of EMIGRANTS to be Despatched between 1st October and 12th November, 1872.

No. 31. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 479.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 4th October, 1872. I have the honor to enclose tho report of Mr. H. AY. Farnall, and in doing so have to express my regret, that owing to the scarcity of shipping and consequent high rates of freight, and tho little prospect of obtaining anything like a full complement of emigrants, I do not see my way to despatching a vessel direct from Belfast; but I purpose, if necessary, as in other cases, paying the cost of passage to London, and add the amount to the promissory notes to bo taken from tho emigrants. I have applied to the other Agents for their reports, and hope by the next mail to be able to forward them. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 31. Mr. H. AY. Farnall to the Agent-General. Report of Proceedings. (No. 444.) Sir, — 2\, Corporation Street, Belfast, Ist October, 1872. In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 19th ultimo, I herewith beg to furnish you with a report of my proceedings since receiving your instructions to proceed to Ireland for the purpose of promoting emigration from that part of the United Kingdom to New Zealand. Immediately on receiving my instructions from you in the early part of July, I proceeded to Ireland, and on my arrival iv Belfast I found two courses were open to me, one of which was at once to start on a tour through Ireland for the purpose of delivering lectures on New Zealand, which was my original intention ; the other course was by, in tho first place, opening an office in Belfast, and by well advertising it to give those desirous of obtaining information on the Colony of New Zealand a place to which they could at once refer and obtain reliable information ; and when tho office was well established, and I had had time to become better acquainted with the country, and had also had time to communicate with the various sub-agents appointed in Ireland, I should then be in a better position to judge of the best way to proceed in order to advance your views. I adopted the latter course, and sco no reason to regret my having clone so, as the inquiries have been even more numerous than I had anticipated; and I find that my personal knowledge of the capabilities and of the wants of New Zealand is of great use in giving confidence to those proposing to emigrate. I also put myself at once in communication with the various district agents, and afterwards visited their districts, for the purpose of finding out what success they had had since receiving their appointments, and also for the purpose of receiving suggestions from them for my future guidance, suggestions which, from their local knowledge, would have great weight with me. I found that hitherto their labours had not been attended with any great success, owing to several causes, the chief of which are the strong counter attractions, and in some instances apparently better terms, offered to emigrants by the other colonies of Great Britain and by the agents for the United States; also the fact of rates of agricultural labourers' wages being much higher than in former years; and also because New Zealand emigration was not extensively advertised in this part of Ireland. I recommended to your consideration that a New Zealand emigration advertisement should be more extensively inserted in the Irish papers, and you were pleased to comply with my request, and I havo reason to know that this more extended system of advertising has been the means of gaining some most eligible emigrants. I also entered into an arrangement with W. H. Smith and Sons (tho publishers) to frame and hang up the large New Zealand emigration poster in all the railway stations in the north of Ireland. This system of advertising is, I am convinced, at once the most economical and the most thorough that could be adopted in this country. I have made arrangements with some of the sub-agents to hold lectures in their districts during the present month of October, and trust that by so doing, together with the more extensive system of advertising adopted, that the scheme will meet with more success during the next few months. On receipt of your letter requesting me to furnish you with a report of my proceedings, I communi-

Ship. Tort. Dato of Departure. Souls. Adults. "Zcalandia" ... 11 Crusader" A. Ship '"Warwick" " Forfarshire " ... Duncdin and Bluff... Canterbury... Otago Auckland ... Wellington 1872. 4th October ... 10th October ... 29th October ... 31st October ... 12th November 320 200 300 150 420 2G7 175 250 120 350 Total ... 1,390 1,162

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cated with the sub-agents, and requested them to forward me reports from their several districts, which reports I herewith enclose for your information. It will be seen from their reports that the emigrants from this country labour under considerable disadvantage in having to embark at London. I have, Ac, H. AY. Farnall.

No. 32. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 490.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 16th October, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship "Zealandia" for Otago, on the Bth instant, with emigrants equal to 2671 adults ; of which number 184 are sent out under Messrs. Brogden's arrangement. I send enclosed the certified list of emigrants who sailed in the vessel, with the ship's book and promissory notes of the passengers who are forwarded through this office. Messrs. Brogden's passengers are to bo landed at tho Bluff, as also are those named on a separate sheet herewith enclosed. The under-stated gratuities, Ac, will be payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, if approved by the Government, viz, : —To Captain Curry, £25; to Dr. Yorath, surgeon-superinten-dent, £50, and head-money at tho rate of 10s. per adult on the number of emigrants landed; to the chief officer, £10 ;to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5; to tho matron, Miss S. Hancock, £5 ; constables, ordinary, £2 each; constable, special, £5. I have requested the surgeon-superintendent to select a suitable person from among the emigrants and appoint him to be schoolmaster, promising him a free passage in return for his services if the Government should be satisfied that his duties have been efficiently discharged. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. List of Emigrants per " Zealandia" who aro proceeding to Southland, N.Z. : —David Stewart and wife, Alexander McLean, Kate Fahy, Honor Keaney, Margaret Young.

No. 33. (No. 491.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 16th October, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Crusader " for Canterbury, on the 12th instant, with emigrants equal to 1671 adults, of which number 18 adults are proceeding under Messrs. Brogden's arrangement. These persons are to be forwarded to the Bluff. Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. undertake this duty, but the expense is to be shared equally between those gentlemen and the Government. I send enclosed the certified list of emigrants who sailed in the vessel, with the ship's books and promissory notes of the passengers who are forwarded through this office. The under-stated gratuities, Ac, will be payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, if approved of by the Government, namely:—To Captain Sutherland, £25; to Mr. Cadle, surgeonsuperintendent, £50, and head-money at the rate of 10s. per adult on the number of emigrants landed; to the chief officer, £10 ; to tho officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; to the matron, Miss Sarah Home, £5. [I have requested tho surgeon-superintendent to select a suitable person from among tho emigrants and appoint him to bo schoolmaster, promising him a free passage in return for his services, if the Government should be satisfied that his duties havo been efficiently discharged.] Constables, ordinary, £2 each; constable, special, £5. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 34. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 492.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sib,— 17th October, 1872. The enclosed cheque for £38 was handed to me, in part payment of the passage cost of some emigrants, by Mr. James McKay, one of the saloon passengers who sailed by the ship " Christian McAusland," for Otago, on the 6th September. On presentation to the Bank of New Zealand, a few days after its receipt, the cheque was returned marked " Account closed ; " probably Mr. McKay closed his account in ignorance that the cheque had not been paid in. I have no doubt that Mr. McKay will at once pay to the Government the amount of the cheque ou the circumstances being stated to him. Will you have the goodness to cause application to be made to him for this purpose on the arrival of the vessel. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 35. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Dr. Husband's application for £50 in respect of his Passage from Canterbury. 7, Westminster Chambers, A Tictoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., (No. 495.) 17th October, 1872. Dr. Husband had medical charge of the emigrants who proceeded in June, 1871, for Canterbury by the ship " Merope." He was promised, and he received, a sum of one hundred guineas as remuneration for his services, the report of the Inspecting Officer upon his vessel having been entirely satisfactory. In IS7O, Dr. Husband received for similar services in the same ship one hundred guineas ; and on his return a further sum of £50 in respect of the cost of his return passage. The passage in the surgeon's letter of appointment which relates to the latter payment is as follows: —" And if you should bo recommended for further employment, and report yourself at this office within eight months after the arrival of the at Lyttelton, and are ready to undertake the charge of another ship, £50 will bo paid to you in respect of your passage home, and an appointment offered you at the earliest date consistent with the arrangements of this office." In the letter of appointment given to Dr. Husband in Juno, 1871, the whole of this passage was struck out, and the following remark was written against the obliterated paragraph : —" This must be left in abeyance, as I am at present unaware what arrangements may be made under the Immigration and Public AVorks Act.—A. A. 0." As I had no authority to promise that the Agent-General would reappoint Dr. Husband on his return to England, I thought it right to leave it to the Government to determine whether or not the return passage money should bo allowed. 2. Dr. Thomas Dry, who sailed as surgeon-superintendent in the ship " Glenmark," in July, 1871, received an appointment on precisely similar terms. Ho was unfortunately lost in that vessel, which sailed in February last, and has not since been heard of. Mrs. Dry (widow of Dr. Thomas Dry) has recently made application for the return passage money (£5O). which was left in abeyance as already explained. Dr. Dry has also made two voyages with emigrants to Canterbury, with completely favourable results. I shall be glad to learn that on reconsideration the Government decide to entertain both these applications. Tho Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Albert O. Ottywell.

No. 36. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 499.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 25th October, 1872. I have tho honor to send, enclosed, copies of the reports presented to me by the Rev. Peter Barclay and Mr. James Seaton respectively, furnishing particulars of their emigration operations during the quarter ended 30th September last. I forward also copy of a report by the Rev. G. Smales, relative to certain lectures in furtherance of emigration to New Zealand, which he delivered in various provincial towns. I have likewise requested Mr. Thomas Birch to furnish a report for the period named, but he has not yet complied with my request. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. Enclosure 1 in No. 36. The Rev. P. Barclay to the Agent-General. (No. 493.) Sir,— Edinburgh, 4, India Street, 19th September, 1872. I beg leave to submit the following report for the current quarter:— 1. During the first month of it I remained in Edinburgh. I had two meetings in school-rooms, but the summer months are .not suitable for public meetings, for various causes. One of these meetings was however very fairly attended, and at both the people seemed interested. 2. As you had given me leave to spend £20 in advertising, I had correspondence with the People's Journal, a paper of enormous circulation ; also with the Northern Advertiser, in Aberdeen, which, in addition to its circulation, has the advantage of being posted up in the city of Aberdeen (population 90,000). All this cost £8. I had some correspondence w-ith a Mr. Gibb, who is agent in Aberdeen for a leading railway advertising firm. I havo thought of doing what could be done for £10 in this matter, but nothing is done as yet. It seems important, as the stations are in most places placarded with the "Allan Line," "Anchor Line," Ac, Ac, keeping America ever before the eyes of the people. 3. During this time I also brought out the tract in Gaelic, and caused it to be sent to all agencies in Gaelic districts. It will, I think, do good, especially in meeting the absurd statements of certain American agents in regard to New Zealand cannibalism, Ac, Ac, Ac There was also a good deal of correspondence to attend to. The letter I wrote to the People's Journal in regard to these American tales, and may write several letters while I am in Edinburgh to the same paper.

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II. 1. On 10th August I left Edinburgh, and had rather more than a month's good work before harvest, which is very late this season. I went to Aberdeen on that day, and on to the fertile Garioch on Saturday. The Bev. W. Brown, one of the clergymen in Eayne, helped me to arrange meetings for his parish, and in Inscli. I did duty for him on Sunday, which, besides helping him, brought mo before the people, among whom, indeed, I had acted as curate for a few months about eighteen years ago. On Monday and Tuesday I had very good meetings at both places named ; appointing at village of Insch a Mr. Bisset as agent. This was quite necessary, as we were quite unrepresented in a large, fertile, and populous district. 2. Hence to Rhyme and Lumsdeu, two villages four miles apart, a good way westward in a different direction of Aberdeenshire. In these villages, considering the dreadful weather on the Friday, and the fact that it was quite impossible to give proper intimation from various causes, I had very fair meetings on Thursday and Friday. Knowing you did not wish too many agents, I did not think of appointing one here. But the Otago agent made himself known to me, and I thought it needful to ask a confirmation of his appointment. This was for the largo district round Ehynie. 3. Thence I came to Huntly (population 3,000), in Strathbogie. I could not economically have a meeting there, but I appointed a Mr. Simpson, bookseller, as agent, as it is an admirable centre. Thence I passed on to Forgue, where on Sunday, 18th, I took duty, and had, partly no doubt in consequence, a first-rate meeting on Monday evening. About forty people went from this parish to America last spring. I was told here that I was creating a considerable sensation as to New Zealand. 4. Thence.on "Wednesday I went to Badenscoth —part of my native parish of Auchterless—where I had a meeting ; four months ago I had held a meeting in the centre of the parish. During the next fortnight I had meetings at Pitsligo, Byth, Fyvie, and Eothes ; the three last remarkably good, in spite of most lamentable weather, especially at Byth, and the difficulty of making arrangements in several cases. In nearly every case I was indebted for kind aid to the clergy, most of whom I knew, and when I did not know them I acted on a sort of clerical freemasonry, i finished my tour at Grantown on the Spey, taking duty, and giving a N.Z. church address on Sunday, and holding an emigration meeting on Monday. 5. At Fyvie it would be most desirable to appoint James Mackie, Esq., bank agent, to act for our scheme. It is a large parish, with a land rental of £20,000 or so, and the Americans are represented by Mr. Mackie and, I believe, another ; 40 or 50 left last year for the States and Canada. Mr. Mackie is willing to act, and having a very large store as well as a bank agency, people are constantly coming about him. At Eothes, on the Lower Spey, Mr. Adam Sharp would act. This appointment is very desirable. At G-rantown, Mr. "William Fleming, bank agent, solicitor, &c, would act. He is much interested in the scheme. Grantown is the only town on the Biver Spey for fifty miles, and is an important centre. Mr. Grant, the former agent, wished much to resign the agency, which I was glad of, although he was a decent man. 6. At TurifF I saw Mr. Michie, and learned from him how strong the current flows to America. Before intending emigrants come to him they have made up their minds where they will go, and he can do little or nothing to turn them New-Zealand-wards ; besides, it is all one to him where they go. Ho told me, however, that a good many had asked for New Zealand application forms ; but they had never come back with them, and of course he could not tell if any were sent on to London or not. Some such may have been picked up by American agents, who are not over-scrupulous in their ways, and who, I can suppose, will ship them quickly from Glasgow, without much trouble about certificates or anything else. 7. During this tour, I sold about 350 of my tracts on New Zealand. A great many of these were sold by some one at the door at the close of my meetings ; others were sold at Is. per dozen to country shops ; and since my return I have made arrangements by which 200 or 300 more may bo sold throughout the districts I went through—Forgue, Grantown, &c. Of course I gave away not a few All this tends to put New Zealandism into tho atmosphere of Aberdeenshire, which is Americanized to an alarming extent. 8. Harvest is now going on, and nothing can be done in the country. Immediately after harvest I think of taking a fortnight for the country towns of Inverurie, Kintore, Meldrum, and Huntly, and such places as I can put in Aberdeenshire. Aberdeenshire is very large —20,000 square miles, —and contains a large number of desirable people. Thereafter, I think of Gairloch, Poolewe, Lochalsh, and Shieldag in the west of Eoss-shire. In this backward season, I fear there will be few potatoes and little grain in these parts, and tho people may be glad to go, especially if we can arrange to send them from Glasgow ; for to them London is as far away as Pckin, and the difficulty is not entirely met by the remarkably low fares from Strome to London. It will be necessary to meet those American agents in every possible way. It seems unnecessary to say more at present. If I think it can be done to advantage, I shall have a meeting or two in this city, and also in Glasgow during the ensuing weeks. Tours faithfully, I. E. Featherston, Esq., London. P. Baeclat.

Enclosure 2 in No. 36. Mr. Jas. Seaton to the Agent-General. Sir,— Glasgow, 18th September, 1872. I have just returned from a long tour in the Highlands, but I am sorry to say without having succeeded in securing any emigrants for New Zealand. In the middle oi August I arrived at Stornaway, as on my previous visit a promise was made that I should do so (indeed the people made

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me promise to come to them at that time) immediately after the fishing season. However, when I reached Stornaway, Dr. Miller, Mr. Rao, and Mr. Munro (Sir James Mathieson's chamberlain) were of opinion that I had come too early, and advised me to leave the Lewis for a time, as there was a probability the people would think I was only laying in wait for them, as they are of a very suspicious nature. Mr. Munro gave me a letter of introduction to his brother at Ullapool, but when I arrived there it turned out that all the people had gone to the northern fishing. He also advised me not to wait or take any action at that time, as no good would be done until the male portion of the community returned home. It was decided that I should go on to Wick and accompany the men homo in the steamboat, but unfortunately they returned on a Sunday, and they would have set me down as a heathen to have spoken to them on that day. However a notice had been printed and stuck up at the street corners in Stornaway that I would bo found at tho Temperance Hotel after the 9th current, a copy of which I enclose. Mr. Munro also had managed to get a couple of the placards put on the masts of the steamer the men returned by, thus giving them ample notice of my presence. Up to the present time no one has availed of the opportunity, partly, I believe, because a Mr. Nicholson, agent for the Canadian Government, has been among them for some time, and rumours of various kinds have been put in circulation, that I have no doubt have had considerable influence in preventing those who intended to go from going; among others was that of sickness on board the "Hydaspes," which you wrote to me about. I had an interview with the young woman on the subject. She had not received any letter, but said some man from the country had told her the wife of Malcolm McDonald had been very ill. Now it turns out that Mr. McDonald was tho only one of the passengers going up to London that was sea sick, and that has been magnified to the extent of what Mr. Malcolm reported to you. I got the girl to promise she would contradict the statement, and to explain how the mistake arose. Auother of the reports was that I wanted the people to fight tho Maoris. I had arranged to make a tour of the island, with the intention of holding meetings at the chief centres of population, when Mr. Munro wrote to me intimating the above report was in circulation and doing me a deal of harm ; still I would havo tried what I could have done to remove the impression, but the man who was to have accompanied me as interpreter took ill, and no other could bo got handy, so I resolved to leave, which I did, and arrived here this morning. But previous to my leaving I saw a Mr. McKenzie, of Dalby, a farmer in the Lewis, who maintains that some could be got in his quarter if a properly qualified local agent were appointed. I asked him if he would act if he were appointed, which he agreed to do. I had doubts if Dr. Miller and Mr. Rae would continue to act if such an appointment was made, but I find they have no objection but think he will do very little good, still he can do no harm. I would therefore recommend that ho be appointed, as he is a man may do harm if he cannot do good, and self-interest must prevent him putting evil in the minds of his neighbours. As the potatoes are all badly diseased, I have no doubt plenty of them will be glad to go by-and-bye, and Dalby may then do some good. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand. James Seaton.

Enclosure 3 in No. 36. Report of Lectures delivered in England during 1872, on New Zealand, as the best Field for Immigration, by the Rev. G. Smales. From the long and varied experience the lecturer had in New Zealand, having resided at Hokianga, Nelson, Wellington, Porirua, Kawhia, Aotea, Auckland, and the Thames, and walked over a large portion of the North Island, he was able to speak with some degree of confidence as to the nature and varied qualities of the country. Moreover, from his having travelled in Southern Africa, South America, Australasia, the United States, and British America, as well as some parts of Europe, ho could, from his own observation, draw a comparison between New Zealand and other fields of emigration, and speak with authority of the superior advantages of the former. The twelve lectures, as stipulated, wero delivered in nine different Counties, as follows: —Spenny Moor, Durham; Castleton, Yorkshire; Malton, Yorkshire; Retford, Nottingham; Newark, Nottingham; Grantham, Lincolnshire ; Guildford, Surrey; Devizes, AVilts ; Hereford, Herefordshire; Chester, Cheshire ; AVarwick, AVarwick shire ; Stratford-on-Avon, AVarwickshire. Three other lectures were also delivered that had not a special reference to emigration to New Zealand, but in which the subject was favourably introduced at Whitby, in Yorkshire; Louth, in Lincolnshire ; Charlwood, in Surrey. The lectures were mostly delivered in tho Town Halls or Corn Exchanges of tho places referred to, and in some cases the chair was occupied by respectable public men; for instance, in two cases, clergymen ; in two others, Justices of the Peace, one being the brother of the late Judge Talfourd ; in some, no chairman was invited. In every case handbills were printed and posted, and in several instances the town crier was also brought into requisition. Although the primary object of the lectures was to arouse and fix the attention of the British public to New Zealand as the best field for emigration, to give additional interest to tho lectures in these sensational times, when the public so earnestly crave after every species of excitement, the lecturer found it useful to draw upon his acquaintance with the Natives, and their manners, customs, language, songs, proverbs, Ac, to forward the object he had in view; nor did he forget the numerous natural advantages and products of the country. Its physical geography, its islands, its lakes, its rivers, its mountains and valleys, its hills and dales, and its beautiful scenery, were reviewed. Its geological illustrations and its mineral productions were also prominently brought forward, especially its extensive and rich products of gold and silver, and copper and iron, Ac. The rapid increase of flocks and herds, tho large export of wool and flax (Phormium tenax), and kauri gum, and preserved meat, and other

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articles of export, wero also introduced, as well as the great extent of unoccupied land, and the fair prospect of success to all who enter the field with a fair amount of natural and acquired advantages. The great aim w-as to excite a healthy interest in New Zealand, and to give every information with reference to the country as the best field for British emigrants, and adapted as it is by its islandic character for a bold and enterprising race; and especially to the constitution of the British subject it was presented as the most favourable field for settlement. Besides, its genial and salubrious climate, it was shown, gives it a prominence pre-eminently above every other British Colony as the most favourable place for the location of the surplus of the British population ; for here in one part of the country we have softness and warmth beyond that of Cornwall, and in another the keen sharp frost and the leaden sky of Scotland. But there wo have neither the aridity nor the drought of Australia, nor tho wintry cold and severity of Canada. For although we extend as far north as the latitude of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, we enjoy in that latitude the gentle sea breeze by day and the laud breeze by night, and can ripen favourably the grape in the open air, and are thus in possession of a most delightful climate. Professional gentlemen and mechanics have had their attention called to New Zealand; and clergymen aud capitalists have made earnest inquiries as to New Zealand as the best field for emigration. But especially has tho tenant farmer had his mind called to our promising Colony. Tenant farmers who have from £500 to £5,000 capital invested in stock and implements on the terms of their landlords, and who find it difficult, as they say, even to make ends meet, with their most strenuous efforts and their most prudent and provident management, —such men have been told, if they will only emigrate to our Colony, aud, using ordinary sagacity, invest their capital, and put forth their energies, they will, before many years elapse, be in the position of the squires and landlords in England. The lecturer generally invited inquiry at the close of tho lectures, and found many anxious for information on minor matters relating to emigration, and had occasion to refer a great many to the New Zealand Emigration Agents. Ho twice visited the office of the National Labour League in Leamington, aud had interviews with Messrs. Taylor and Archer, the leaders of the great movement amongst the labourers in that district, and they promised to encourage farm labourers to emigrate to New- Zealand. The lecturer found that he had been preceded in several of the towns by lecturers and agents specially setting forth tho advantages and claims of other fields of emigration—Buenos Ayres, the United States, Canada, and the Ausfralian Colonies, had been prominently brought before tho public ; and a regular stream of people is flowing out to those places. In addition to the publicity given to tho subject of these lectures by the bill posting, the town crier, aud the lectures themselves, there have been favourable reports printed in a large number of newspapers —see extracts of some appended —some of which have a circulation of ten and twenty and more thousands of copies ; thus the subject has been placed in the most favourable light, anal then circulated throughout the country. The fruit of this effort is at yet but partially seen. It is true, several communications have been sent by way of inquiry, and many more parties have applied personally; some farmers have decided to emigrate whom it may tako six and twelve months before they may be able to deliver up their farms and leave these shores. Some have already left this country for New Zealand, having paid their own passages ; others have embraced tho advantages of the Emigration Office; and we trust that before long many others will follow in their steps, and New Zealand, which on the whole is so remarkably a promising colony, will soon quadruple its population. 10th October, 1872. G. Smales.

Enclosure 4 in No. 36. NEWSPAPER NOTICES OF THE REV. MR. SMALE'S LECTURES ON NEW ZEALAND. (From the Neicark Advertiser, October 0, 1872.) Lecture on New Zealand. On Friday last, the Rev. G. Smales, for many years a resident in New- Zealand, gave a lecture on that country as a field for emigration. The attendance was small, owing, doubtless, to the shortness of the notice, the lecture having been announced only at a late hour on tbat day. The reverend gentleman gave some interesting facts with reference to the size and character of tho country-, the quality of tho soil, the nature of the climate, and the number of its inhabitants—the population of the whole country, which is about the size of Great Britain and Ireland, being only 300,000, of which about 260,000 aro British, Irish, French, and German settlers, and about 45,000 are aborigines. He also spoke of the character of the Natives, and described them as very quick and intelligent. The reverend gentleman very humorously referred to the peculiar plan resorted to by the Maoris to rouse political excitement as being so different to the means emptoyed in this country to effect the same object. In New Zealand, said he, the skulls and bones of departed chiefs were collected and buried, women were appointed to " howl," and gash their bodies with shells, glass, Ac, as a kind of preliminary proceeding. After this, the Natives were gathered together, the skulls disposed in a row, and the women stationed behind them to howl again, and to recapitulate the brave deeds and mighty achievements of the deceased warriors, until tho requisite amount of excitement was raised to enable them to compass their designs. The reverend gentleman also spoke of the poetry of the Maoris, specimens of which he gave with great effect. He dwelt at some length on the advantages to bo gained by agricultural emigrants, both farmers, and labourers. Tho price of country, laud was from 10s. to £1 per acre ; town land fetched as much as £200 and £250 per acre ; and some building lots in Auckland made £1,000 per acre. Even as a money investment, land-buying there was profitable, and, if done with discretion, would quadruple the capital employed. He gave an account of the gold fields, and also some instances iv which poor men had rapidly made a fortune, while as much as £40,000 and £50,000 had been realized by speculating in mines. The reverend gentleman concluded a very able lecture by giving an account of the different

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routes to New Zealand, with their respective costs; and informed the company that if any able-bodied men or domestic servants wished to go, a free passage would be granted on their applying to No. 7, AVestminster Chambers, AVestminster, London, AY. (From the Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette, September 26, 1872.) Emigration to Neio Zealand. A lecture on this subject was delivered in our Town Hall on Tuesday evening last, by the Rev. G. Smales, who has resided in the Colony upwards of a quarter of a century. The audience was quite as good as could have been expected, and seemed deeply interested whilst Mr. Smales spoke upwards of an hour. The subject was introduced by a few remarks on the discovery and history of New Zealand. The lecturer then proceeded to give some account of the physical geography, geology, and natural productions of the country-. The Natives, and their language and customs, next came under review, special reference being made to their proverbs, legends, system of tapu, and their past and present conditions. The constitution and government of the country, with its division into Provinces, and the progress of the different colonial towns, were also described. The advantages for emigrants, especially farmers and the industrial classes, were pointed out. The promise to the tenant farmer of England was of the most favourable character. In England, that class, it was stated, rarely became owners of a freehold ; but in New Zealand there is no difficulty in the w-ay, and the cash or capital which is invested for the benefit of the landlord here, would build their owu houses, clear, cultivate, and stock their own farms, and they would be as squires on their own estates; whilst the labouring man could have his ss. or 6s. a day, and be able to purchase fresh meat at from 2d. to 4d. per lb., and bread at something less than English price. Hence the prospects for intending industrial emigrants were of a most promising character; whilst if those of a more speculative turn of mind chose to go into gold digging, they might bo like some who got nothing, or they might be like some of late who have in a short time made respectively their ten, twenty, fifty, one hundred, or one hundred aud fifty thousand pounds. New Zealand, it was stated by Mr. Smales, who has travelled in most parts of the world, and is thus able to speak from his own experience and personal observation, is the best field for English, or rather British, emigration. Taking all things into consideration—its unrivalled climate, its productive soil, its open field, its rich and varied products, its rising character—it presents the most favourable source for the investment of capital and the department of labour. After a most interesting lecture, a vote of thanks was proposed and seconded, and carried by acclamation, to the lecturer, and the meeting broke up, evidently much pleased with the information which Mr. Smales had afforded.

No. 37. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 506.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A 7ictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— Ist November, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that, since the despatch of my letter No. 471, of 4th October, the under-stated vessels have sailed with emigrants, namely : — The "Zealandia," for Otago and Bluff, with about 320 souls. The " Crusader," for Canterbury, with 194 souls. The following ships will leave the river during the present week, namely : — The " Charlotte Gladstone," for Otago, with about 360 souls. The " Warwick," for Auckland, with about 370 souls ; and the " Forfarshire " is engaged to proceed for AVellington on the 31st instant, with about 380 souls. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, Tho Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 38. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetary. (No. 528.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., SiE,— 14th November, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Charlotte Gladstone," on the 2nd instant, for Otago, with 338 assisted emigrants, equal to 312 statute adults. This number includes 224 adults under engagement to Messrs. John Brogden and Sons. I send enclosed the certified list of the passengers, also the ship's book, furnishing the usual detaits respecting the emigrants who proceed under the Government Emigration Regulations, and the originals of the promissory notes signed by the latter. I forward also promissory notes signed by the under-stated persons, for_ the sums advanced to enable them to provide the necessary ship's outfit, namely : —Hibbard, Maria, for £1; Lucas, Emma, for £1. The gratuities payable on tho recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, approved by tho Government, are the following, namely :—To Captain Paddle, £25 ;to Dr. Bakewell, surgeon-super-intendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed ; the chief officer, £10; the officer who serves out the provisions, £5; tho matron, Mrs. Lasse, £5; an assistant matron, £2 constables for water-closets, £5 ; constables, ordinary, £2. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. 3-D. 2d.

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No. 39. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 529.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sir,— 14th November, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship "Warwick," for Auckland, on the 3rd instant, with 163 assisted immigrants, equal to 1351 statute adults. I send, enclosed, the certified list of the passengers, also the ship's book, furnishing the usual details respecting the emigrants, and the originals of the promissory notes. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, are the following, namely:—To Captain Skinner, £25; to Dr. Payne, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed ; to tho chief officer, £10 ; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5; the matron, Miss Kate Taylor, £5 ; an assistant matron, £2 ; constables for waterclosets, £5 ; constables, ordinary, £2 each. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S. —I enclose, also, promissory notes signed by the under-stated persons, for the sums advanced in aid of their travelling expenses incurred in reaching the port of embarkation, namely: —Gordon, Mary Ann, for £1; Allen, Elizabeth, for £1; Hall, Ann Jane, for £1; Hall, Elizabeth, for £L

No. 40. (No. 530.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 14th November, 1872. Referring to my letter No. 493, of 17th October, I have the honor to send enclosed further lists of cancelled (nominated) applications for assisted passages, and I request that you will have the goodness to give instructions for the refund to the several nominators of the sums respectively deposited by them. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretaryj Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 41. (No. 540.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., SlE,— 2Gth November, 1872. I havo the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Forfarshire," on the 16th instant, for AVellington, with 406 souls, assisted emigrants, equal to 3541 statute adults. This number includes IGG adults under engagement to Messrs. John Brogden and Sons. I send enclosed the certified list of the passengers, also the ship's book, furnishing the usual details respecting the emigrants who proceed under the Government Emigration Regulations, and the originals of the promissory notes signed by the latter. I forward also promissory notes signed by the under-stated persons : —Sophia Ors Petersen, for outfit money; Alexander McKenzie, expenses to London. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, approved by the Government, are the following, viz.: —To Captain Fox, £25; Dr. McDougall, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed; the chief officer, £10 ; the officer who serves out the pro^ visions, £5 ; the matron, Miss M. A. Crane, £5 ; an assistant matron (if required), £2 ; constables for water-closets, £5; ordinary, £2. The Rev. AVilliam Sewell, who proceeds as a cabin passenger, has engaged to discharge the duties of schoolmaster and chaplain, and in return for these duties I have paid the sum of £21 towards the expense of his passage. On a separate sheet I append the names of a number of nominated emigrants by the vessel, who are entitled to be forwarded at the expense of the Government to their respective destinations. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. Names of emigrants who arc entitled to be forwarded to their destinations at the expense of tho Government:— Nelson —George Hinton and family, Gideon Scott and family, Mary A. Crane. Westland —Thos. L. Fenner and family, Greymouth ; James O'Connor and wife, Greymouth ; Herbert Hannam, Hokitika; Agnes Smeaton and family; James Young, Greymouth; Michael O'Neill and others ; Michael Maher, Greymouth; Peter Kirnan and others; J. and Alice Phelan, Greymouth ; Ellen Stewart; Sarah E. Ratiedgo and family, Greymouth. Hawke's Bay —L. and Angus Morrison, AVm. G. McLaughlin, William Dempsey, Eliza Higgins, Mrs. A. Neill and children.

No. 42. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 551.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sic,— 29th November, 1872. AVith reference to Public AVorks Memorandum No. 113, of the 4th, and to your letter No. 103, of the 28th September last, with their enclosures, I have the honor to state that I do not consider it

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advisable or necessary to avail myself of Mrs. Howard's offer of her services as agent to promote female immigration. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General,

No. 43. The Aoent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 559.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A Tictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 28th November, 1872. Tho list of assisted emigrants per ship " Forfarshire," for AVellington, which sailed from Gravesend ou the 16th instant, includes some women and children who are sent out under special arrangement with Messrs. John Brogden and Sons. They number 19.V adults, and consist of the families of workmen who sailed by tho " Schiehallion," in April last, and are located at Picton. The sum of £5 per adult is to be paid in the Colony in respect of the passage cost of these persons, and, in order to give validity to the promissory notes of these women, Messrs. Brogden havo engaged to append their signatures. The notes are lying at their office for this purpose, and shall bo forwarded to the Government as soon as they are executed. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. Names of women and children, wives Ac. of workmen sent out by Messrs. J. Brogden aud Sons per "Schiehallion:"— Annear—Uriah 36, John 13, AVm. 7, Frederick 2, Margretta 11, Bertha 5; Scarle — Mary 40, William 14, John 13, Harriett 10 ; Randlo—Elizabeth 32, AValter IG, Henry 10, Joseph 5, James 2 ; Reynolds—Mary 30, John 9, James 3, Mary 7, Bessie 6; Chesham—Harriet 40, Joseph 7 ; Starke— Susan 40, Henry 7, AVilliam 4, Alice 2 ; Cheritcn—Charles 16, George 11.

No. 44. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 561.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 29th November, 1872. In reply to y-our letter No. 107, of 28th September last, with reference to an alleged overpayment to Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. of passage money per ship " Glcnmark," I have the honor to send enclosed a memorandum by Mr. Ottywell, at whose instance tho expense was incurred, from which you will gather that tho payment, as charged in the account of this office, was perfectly accurate and was made in pursuance of a certificate issued by the Immigration Officer of Canterbury. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 44. Memobandum as to alleged Overpayment to Shipping Contractors in respect of Second Moiety of Passage Money per " Glcnmark." The number of emigrants sent by the " Glenmark " was 1251 adults. The passage money for two adults was deducted from the first moiety in accordance with the provision of the contract which required that free passages should be given to a matron and a schoolmaster in each vessel. Tho surgeon-superintendent did not, however, consider it necessary to appoint a schoolmaster; and in his certificate, issued to the contractors' agent, the Immigration Officer states that the total chargeable to tho General Government is one hundred and twenty-four and one-half (1241) adults. I append a copy of this certificate, which is signed by "J. Edwin March," and countersigned by "R.J. S. Harman." I annex also copy of a letter, signed by Mr. March, in which that gentleman states the reason why no deduction in respect of a schoolmaster's passage was made. I have, Ac, Albert O. Ottywell, Emigration Officer, 29th November, 1872. (for the Agent-General).

No. 45. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 562.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 29th November, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing to-day of the ship " Durham" for Auckland, with assisted and free emigrants equal to 581 statute adults. The ship's book, with the promissory notes and the usual detailed advices, shall be forwarded by next mail via San Francisco. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General,

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No. 46. (No. 573.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 10th December, 1872. Referring to your letter No. 102, in which you enclose copy of the Immigration Commissioners' report upon the ship " Friedeberg," I have the honor to state that the suggestions of the Commissioners, relating to the dietary and to other arrangements on board, shall receive careful attention in the event of any future ship sailing with emigrants from Hamburg. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon, the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General,

No. 47. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 574.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sic,— 10th December, 1872. In further reference to your letter No. 104, relating to the passage arrangements of certain nominated persons, I have tho honor to state that, in accordance with the wish of the nominator, the passage provided for John Morris shall bo transferred to a member of Thomas Rosengrave's family. I have referred to the correspondence in the case of Robert Hislop, and find that on the 26th June the nominee wrote as follows: — " On looking over these regulations regarding emigration to New Zealand, I am sorry to find that they are not at all applicable to my case ; therefore I have resolved not to emigrate. In the meantime I have wrote to my friend Euphemia Dougall iv New Zealand, stating to her the same, hoping that she will get her money returned without sustaining any loss." The application was accordingly cancelled, and I so advised tho Government on the 19th September. As, however, Hislop's relatives are desirous that an effort should be made to induce him to proceed under the arrangement made on his behalf, I will again write him, and offer passages by the next vessel, to sail on the Bth January, 1873. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

NO. 48. Tho Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 581.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sic, — llth December, 1872. Referring to my letter No. 530, dated llth November, I have the honor to send enclosed further lists of cancelled (nominated) applications for free and assisted passages; and I have to request that you will have the goodness to direct tho usual refund to be made to the persons by whom money has been deposited with the Government in respect of the passages applied for. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 49. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 582.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sic,— llth December, 1872. I have the houor to advise the sailing of the ship " Euterpe " on the 7th instant for Otago, with 92 assisted emigrants, equal to 781 adults. I send enclosed the certified list of the passengers, also the ship's book, furnishing the usual details respecting the emigrants, and the originals of the promissory notes. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, are tho following, viz. : —To Captain Phillips, £15 ; to Dr. Suinnerhayes, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed; to the chief officer, £10; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; the matron, Mrs. Haiinam, who was selected from among tho emigrants, I have promised that, if her duties should be properly performed, the money paid here for her passage, £13, shall be returned to her ; to constables for water-closets, £5 ; ordinary, £2 each. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S. —I annex particulars of a few special promissory notes taken from some emigrants to whom advances of money were made for the purposes stated. List of Special Promissory Notes taken 'from some Emigrants per "Euterpe" for the purposes stated. For Ship Outfit.— George I. Cohen, £1 • Grace O'Brien, £1.

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Expenses in London. —Henry Gilbertson, £1; John Young, £1; Paul Smith, £2; Laurence Gerrick, 10s.; Laurence Young, 10s. Travelling Expenses to London. —Robert McKinlay, £5.

No. 50. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 584.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— llth December, 1872. Referring to my letter No. 5G2, dated 29th ultimo, advising the sailing of the ship "Durham" for Auckland with Government emigrants, I have now the honor to forward certified list of the passengers (of whom seven adults are under engagement to Messrs. J. Brogden and Sons), the ship's book, furnishing the usual details respecting the emigrants who proceed under the Government Emigration Regulations, and the original promissory notes. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the luspecting Officer, indorsed by the Government, are the following: —To Captain Sexton, £15; Dr. Grey, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed ; the chief officer, £10 ; officer who serves out provisions, £5; matron, Miss Emily Cleenow, £5; constables for water-closets, £5; ordinary constables, £2 each. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington. Agent-General.

No. 51. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretaey. (No. 585.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 12th December, 1872. I have the honor to enclose a promissory note for £13, signed by a man named AVoolcock, which was given under the following circumstances : — Woolcock engaged a passage for himself and wife in the ship " AVarwick," and embarked in the East India Dock on the day appointed for that purpose, and on the arrival of the vessel off Gravesend, he stated that he was too unwell to proceed, and left the ship at that place. Although the man w-as evidently suffering from a severe cold, his illness was not, in the opinion of the ship's surgeon, of so serious a nature as to require his removal from the vessel. As I was required to pay half passage money to the contractors in respect of these defaulters, I thought it right to take from Woolcock an additional promissory note for the amount so paid. It will be for the Government to determine whether, under the circumstances stated in this letter, the note shall be collected. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S. —I omitted to state that Woolcock subsequently renewed his application, and sailed in the "Durham" on the 29th November, 1872.

No. 52. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 587.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 12th December, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that I have forwarded per book post by this mail to your address two copies of the papers on Emigration complete, bound and indexed as ordered in Public Works Memorandum No. 113, 1872. The remaining eighteen copies are being shipped by the " St. Andrew's Castle " for Wellington. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 53. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 590.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sib — 12th December, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that emigrant ships have been laid on for New Zealand, as per annexed list. It is doubtful whether a sufficient number of emigrants will be secured for the vessel to Nelson. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General,

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List of Emigrant Vessels to Sail. To Auckland, "Parsee," to sail 7th January, 1873. To Canterbury, a ship, to sail 14th January, 1873. To Nelson, a ship, to sail 20th January, 1873. To Otago, " Oberon," to sail 15th January, 1873. To AVellington, a ship, to sail 29th January, 1873. To Auckland, a ship, to sail sth February, 1873. To Canterbury, a ship, to sail 12th February, 1873. To Otago, a ship, to sail 19th February, 1873. To Wellington, a ship, to sail 26th February, 1873. To Canterbury, a ship, to sail 3rd March, 1873. To Otago, a ship, to sail 7th March, 1873.

No. 54. Tho Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 592.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV, Sir,— 12th December, 1872. I have the honor to send enclosed a promissory note for £5, signed by William Hancock. This man was nominated for an assisted passage on the 27th October, 1871 (No. 30), in Dunedin. As, however, it is possible that the application may be cancelled, and the money deposited with the Government may be refunded before the advice of the man's departure reaches the Colony, I have thought it prudent to take a promissory note for a sum equal to the amount paid as above stated. If, on the arrival of the ship, the money originally deposited should remain in the hands of the Government, the promissory note will of course be returned to the emigrant. Hancock sailed in the " Euterpe " on the 7th inst. I have, Ac,, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 55. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 594.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 12th December, 1872. I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a circular addressed to all the Emigration Sub-Agents, notifying the dates of sailing and the ports for which vessels have been engaged to embark emigrants. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 55. Cieculae addressed to all Sub-Agents. Offices of the Agent-Generat for New Zealand, 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV, Sic,— 10 th December, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that vessels under engagement to the Governaient of New Zealand will embark emigrants for the ports, and on the dates under mentioned, viz.: — For Auckland, January 7th, February sth. For Canterbury, January l4th, February 12th, March 3rd. For Wellington, January 29th, February 2Gth. For Otago, January 15th, February 19th, March 7th. Nelson, January 20th. It should be borne in mind that all arrangements for passages should bo completed twelve days prior to the sailing of each vessel, otherwise passages cannot be guaranteed. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston-, Agent-Geneeal. N.B. —In all cases emigrants embark in the East India Docks, London.

No. 56. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 600.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 27th December, 1872. In continuation of my letter No. 587, of the 12th instant, I have the honor to transmit bill of lading for one case shipped per " St. Andrew's Castle" for Wellington, containing the eighteen copies of Emigration papers, bound and indexed, ordered in Public AVorks Memorandum No. 112, 1872. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 57. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 606.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 27th December, 1872. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Lutterworth " for Otago, with 103 emigrants, equal to 99 statute adults. The whole of this party is sent out under Messrs. Brogden's arrangements. The certified list in the usual form is herewith enclosed. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, are the following, viz.,—To Captain Clarke, £15; to Dr. Ryley, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed ; to the chief officer, £10 ; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; to constables for water-closets, £5 ; ordinary, £2 each. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 58. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 373.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 3rd January, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by the mail via San Francisco, which arrived on the 26th ultimo) of the letters and memoranda, particulars of which are stated on the accompanying sheet; I propose to refer in separate communications to such of the letters as require further remark. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. Letters and Memoranda received 26th December, 1872; Memorandum No. 1, 1872, 21st October, 1872. Enclosing Report on Labour Exchange at Duneditl. Memorandum No. 2,1872, 23rd October, 1872. Correspondence relating to £5 charged for Susan Davis. Memorandum No. 3,1872,23 rd October, 1872. Numbers landed by the " St. Leonards " and " Ballarat." Memorandum No. 4,1872, 23rd October, 1572. Concerning case of a man named D. Gedge; Memorandum No. 5, 1871, 25th October, 1872. Demand for female servants at Greymouth. Memorandum No. 6, 1872, 28th October, 1872. Immigration arrangements) directing attention. Memorandum No. 8, 1872, 28th October, 1872. Robert Dunlop's nomination to remain in force. Memorandum No. 9, 1872, 28th October, 1872. Report by Immigration Officers on the " St. Leonards," Ac. Memorandum No. 10, 1872, 28th October, 1872. Procuring emigrants from Shetland; Letter No. 120, 14th October, 1872. Enclosing several ships' reports. Letter No. 121, 15th October, 1872. Missing box belonging to Joseph Burichek. Letter No. 119, 17th October, 1872. Relative to case of John Dewey, passenger per " Charlotte Gladstone."

No. 59. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 9.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 7th January, 1873. In further reference to your Memorandum No. 2, dated 23rd October, 1872, desiring me to explain why the sum of £5 was charged for the passage of Susan Davis (an emigrant by the '" City of Auckland "), who was nominated at Auckland on the 22nd January, 1872, — I have the honor to state that, in accordance with the printed regulations applicable to the passages of single women, which were adopted and advised to the Government early last year, every single female was required to sign a promissory note for £5 prior to her departure. I continued this arrangement until the autumn of 1872, under the impression that, on reconsideration, the Government would confirm the regulation under which it remained in force. Tho friends of Susan Davis requested that she might be permitted to pay the £5 in cash instead of signing a promissory note, and their request was complied with. In pursuance of the instructions of the Government, single women who are nominated now receive absolutely free passages, no promissory notes being taken from them. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 60. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 10.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 7th January, 1573. In further reference to your Memorandum No. 8, of 2Sth October, I note that application No. 1,595, made at Christchurch in favour of Robert Duniop, is still to remain in force, the money deposited with the Government not having been withdrawn. I am already in communication with Robert Duniop, with a view to his proceeding to Canterbury by the ship "Edwin Fox," on the 24th instant. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 61. The Aoent-General to the Hon. the Resident Minister, Christchurch, N.Z. (No. 11.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir, — 7th January, 1873. I have the honor to advise tho sailing of the ship "Lutterworth" for Otago, with 103 emigrants, equal to 99 statute adults. Tho whole of this party is sent out under Messrs. Brogden's arrangement. Copy of the certified list is herewith enclosed. Tho gratuities, payable on the recommendation of tho Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, aro the following, viz.: —To Captain Clarke, £15; to Dr. Ryley, surgeon-superinten-dent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed ; to the chief officer, £10; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5; to constables for water-closets, £5 each; to ordinary constables, £2 each. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Resident Minister, Christchurch, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 62. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 12.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 7th January, 1873. Among the passengers by the ship " Himalaya," which sailed for Canterbury on the 22nd November, are a woman named Ellen Jordan and her four children. Tho sum of £12 10s. was paid in advance towards the cost of the passages. On the 26th December, a month after the departure of the vessel, advice of the nomination of the family by the woman's husband was received at this office. The number of the application made at Christchurch is 1,683 ; the date is 27th September, 1872, and the amount deposited with the Government is £12 10s. As the money paid at this office was contributed by persons resident in this country who were interested in the welfare of the woman, I have thought it right to return the amount, and tho arrangement made in tho Colony will therefore remain in force. As no mention of the nomination arrangements is made in the book which accompanied the advice of the ship's sailing, I think it right to furnish these particulars. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 63. The Agent-GeneEal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 13.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,--- Bth January, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that the under-stated vessels will sail with emigrants for the ports named during the present month, viz. .— For Auckland, the ship " Parsee," on the Bth instant, with 80 emigrants. For Otago and Canterbury, the ship "Edwin Fox," on the 25th instant, with 200 to 250 emigrants. It was originally arranged that the ship " Oberon " should proceed to Otago direct with emigrants oil the loth instant, but on the urgent representations of the owners and charterers to the effect that the vessel is unsuited for the conveyance of passengers on her between-decks, [See copies of letters from Messrs. Shaw, Maxton, and Co., and Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., enclosed,] I have consented to tho proposal of the contractors that the " Edwin FSx " shall take both the Otago and the Canterbury complements of passengers on the 24th instant. It is understood that Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. are to undertake the duty and bear the expense of forwarding the Otago emigrants from Canterbury by steamer to their destination. For Nelson and Wellington, the ship " Wild Duck," on the 29th instant, with, say, 150 emigrants. The passengers for Nelson are to be forwarded from AVellington to their destination by steamer, at the expense of the contractors.

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The above vessels will not take any of Messrs. Brogden's workmen. The emigrants will consist of nominated persons and ordinary selections, including a moderate number of single female servants. I have, Ac, I. E, Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z, Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 63. Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., to the Agent-General. Sir, — 34, Leadenhall Street, E.C., 7th January, 1873. We now beg to enclose a letter from the owners of the " Oberon," stating the reason why the captain of the ship considers her unfit to carry emigrants, namely, that "being an extreme clipper, when fully loaded her decks aro so wet that the hatches could not possibly be kept open. AYe regret tho delay which has occurred in getting this fact brought before you, but it has arisen through the captain not having been able to consult with his owners on the subject until yesterday. AYe should have been happy to shift the "Oberon" to another port, and substitute a more suitable vessel for your Otago emigrants, but for the fact of the ice-house for the salmon ova being already built in the " Oberon," and it being very desirable for the success of the experiment that the ova should go in that vessel. In fact, we could not have got any other ship to take her place in this respect. Under the circumstances, therefore, we have to ask your sanction to the arrangement mentioned in our letter of yesterday's date, namely, that we should take the Otago emigrants in tho " Edwin Fox " to Lyttelton, and forward them on to their destination by steamer. We are, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Shaw, Saville, and Co.

Enclosure 2 in No. 63. Messrs. Shaw, Maxton, and Co., to Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. 2, Royal Exchange Buildings, Cornhill, London, E.C., Sirs, — Oth January, 1873. We have consulted the captain of the " Oberon" about taking a limited number of passengers in the " 'tween " decks, and he is strongly opposed to our so doing, as the ship is so very wet, when fully loaded, as to render it impossible to keep the hatches open. Under the circumstances, we do not think it would be advisable to take any passengers. I have, Ac, Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. Shaw, Maxton, and Co.

No. 64. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 14.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria-street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— Bth January, 1873. In further reference to your letter No. 121, dated 15th October, 1872, I have the honor to inform you that, in accordance with your instructions, I have written Messrs. Louis Knorr and Co., of Hamburg, requesting them to institute inquiry with reference to the missing box belonging to Joseph Burichek, an immigrant to Canterbury by the ship " Friedeberg." As soon as Messrs. L. Knorr's reply is received, I will communicate its purport to the Government. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. A gent-General.

No. 65. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 15.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— Bth January, 1873. With reference to your Memorandum No. 3, dated 23rd October, 1872, enclosing copies of the Immigration Officer's certificates of the number of statute adults landed from the "St. Leonards" at Lyttelton, and " Ballarat" at Napier, —I observe that, as pointed out by you, the matron is deducted by the Immigration Officer from the number of passengers payable per " St. Leonards." Mr. March's certificate is made out in the form heretofore employed by the Canterbury Government, and it has evidently escaped his observation that, under the emigration contract at present in force, the contractors are not required to provide free passages for matrons. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. 4—D. 2d.

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No. 66. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 16.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— Bth January, 1873. Adverting to your Memoranda No. 4, 1872, and 6, 1872, of 23rd October, I have the honor to state that the subjects to which you allude were referred to at length in my letters No. 449 of 17th September, and No. 476 of 4th October last. These letters were not received when your letter under acknowledgment was despatched. 1. I observe that you desire to receive by every mail, full particulars in reference to the number and character of the emigrants to be sent out, and to the prospects of emigration generally. The Government will have received, since tho date of your letter, very much of the information desired. I will take care that these details aro furnished regularly. In a separate letter, I forward particulars of the emigrants to be despatched to the various Provinces during the present month. The ships' books are always forwarded by the first opportunity after tho departure of the vessels. In a few cases, tho inspection of the emigrants at Gravesend has taken place on the days fixed for the close of the outward mails. In these instances, the ships' books have been despatched by the subsequent mails ; this has probably given rise to the inconvenience upon which you remark. A copy of the " ship's book " is also sent by the first opportunity to tho Resident Minister at Christchurch, in the case of every vessel taking emigrants to any part of the Middle Island. These books (which are in the form approved by the Government) furnish the fullest information of which I am in possession, both as to the character of the emigrants and as to the way in w-hich their passage money was made up. 2. My letter No. 419, already referred to, enclosed full particulars of cancelled applications up to 17th September, and monthly lists of all similar cases, provincially divided, have been sent via San Francisco since that date. Similar lists for the month ending to-day accompany this letter. It may have escaped the notice of the Government that full particulars of all nominated persons who have sailed under the arrangements made in their behalf are given in the ships' books of the vessels in which the emigrants proceed. As you direct, I shall take especial care that full information as to the movements and intentions of nominated emigrants are furnished periodically to the Government. The Memorandum of the Minister for Public AVorks, No. 95, was replied to on the 17th September, and the instructions contained therein have been fully complied with. 3. AVith reference to the case of David Gedge, of Oamaru, by whom relatives were nominated (No. 18 in List No. 1), as stated in my letter No. 476, Mr. Auld, the home agent for Otago, undertook to communicate with the whole of the persons nominated in tho list quoted. On receiving your former letter on this subject, I wrote tho nominee, Samuel Gedge, on the 4th October, enclosing the usual papers, and offering him a passage by the ship " Charlotte Gladstone." No reply has, however, been received, nor has the letter been returned through the Post Office. The address of the nominee given in tho list received from Dunedin is "Bodmin, Cornwall." I send another letter to that address tonight, offering a passage in the ship " Edwin Fox," to sail 24th instant. 1 trust these explanations will be satisfactory to the Government. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General,

No. 67. Tho Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 18.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sib,— Bth January, 1873. With reference to tho postscript to the Memorandum of the Minister for Public Works No. 108, of 31st August last, I have the honor to state that tho passage arrangements of Mrs. Neil and family were made before the advice of the nomination quoted in the margin was received at this office. The Colonial application should therefore be cancelled, and the amount deposited with the Government should be refunded. A further question is suggested in relation to this case. The amount paid to this office was £46, but the nomination order was issued upon payment of the sum of £30. The party consists of 61 adults. The passage money, at the Colonial rate, would amount to £32 10s. It will be for the Government to determine whether Mrs. Neil and family shall be allowed the full benefit of the nomination arrangement. If the Government should so decide, the sum of £13 10s. should be refunded to Mrs. Neil. I regret that this matter was not brought under your notice at an earlier date. 2. The list of cancelled (nominated) applications for the month ended 14th November, 1872, which was enclosed in my letter No. 530, of 14th November last, included the names of Thomas Huntley and family, who were nominated at New Plymouth on the 16th March last. The notice sent from this office to the nominees was returned through the Post Office marked " Not to be found," and advice to that effect was sent to the Government, as already explained. On the Ist instant, I received a letter from Thomas Huntley, making application for the passages provided for his family. As I am in doubt whether or not the passage nomination has been cancelled and the money returned to the applicant, I shall be obliged if you will, by the return mail, advise me on this point, and state if the passages arc to be granted to Thomas Huntley aud family. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 68. The Agent-Geneeal to tho Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 19.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sin,— 9th January, 1873. I havo the honor to enclose you three copies of printed schedule, showing the vessels and number of emigrants despatched for New Zealand during the quarter ended 31st December, 1872. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial' Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 69. The Aoent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretaey. (No. 40.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A rictoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV., Sic,— 24th January, 1873. I have the honor to inform you, that advices have this day been received that the ship "Glenlora," with emigrants for Wellington, left Mauritius on the sth instant; all the passengers well. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 70. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 42.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A 7ictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic, — 24th January, 1873. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Parsee " on the llth instant, for Auckland, with 74 assisted emigrants, equal to 691 statute adults. I send enclosed the certified list of tho passengers, also the ship's book, furnishing the usual details respecting the emigrants, and the originals of the promissory notes. The gratuities payable on tho recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, are the following, viz.: —To Captain Nelson, £15; to Dr. Taylor, £50, and 10s. per adult on the number of emigrants landed ; the chief officer, £10; the officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; the matron, Mrs. Bice, £5 ; constables for water-closets, £5 ; ordinary constables, £2 each. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 71. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. tho Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 6G.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Arictoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV., Sic,— sth February, 1873. Referring to my letter No. IG, 1873, dated Bth January, I have tho honor to send enclosed further lists of cancelled (nominated) applications for free and assisted passages ; and I havo to request that you will have tho goodness to direct the usual refund to be made to the persons by whom money has been deposited with the Government in respect of the passages applied for. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 72. • The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 67.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— sth February, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of tho Memorandum of the Hon. Minister for Immigration, No. 29,1872, dated 27th November, enclosing copies of two letters from the Immigration Officer at Auckland with reference to the engagement of the immigrants per " Ballarat" and " Robert Henderson." I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. tho Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 73. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. GB.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— sth February, 1873. Reverting to my letter No. 16, 1873, of Bth January, with reference to the case of Samuel Gedge, who was nominated for a passage to Otago (No. 18 in List No. 1), I have the honor to state that I have received a letter from Gedge, in which he states that his wife is about to be confined, and that he will be unable to proceed for " a long time." He adds that the money had better be paid back to the one that paid it, David Gedge, until it is convenient " with us to go." I gather from the tenor of Gcdge's note that he did not receive any advice from the Otago Home Agent that a passage had been provided for him. As it is possible that a similar omission may have occurred with respect to the other persons who are also nominated in List No. 1 already referred to, I have communicated with these persons, with a view to their proceeding by the next vessel. AVill you have the goodness to direct the usual refund to be made to David Gedge ? I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 74. The Aoent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. G9.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— sth February, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Memoranda of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration of numbers and dates following: —Nos. 24, 25, and 27, 1872, of 27th November. 1. I have communicated with the persons nominated in application No. 1,698, with a view to their taking charge of the lad Edgar Kuisman, who lost the passage previously arranged for him on account of ill-health. 2. AVith reference to Hawke's Bay application No. 57, in favour of James Wallace and friends, I beg to remind you that the list containing the names of these persons was not received from the Government until the 6th September, although the passage money of the applicants was deposited with the Postmaster at Napier on tho 30th January. The intending emigrants therefore received information of the arrangement many months before your advice came to hand, and I was in consequence unable to deal with their applications. James AVallace and friends have now completed their papers, and have arranged to proceed by the AVellington ship of 28th February. 3. I observe the remarks of tho Canterbury Immigration Officer relative to the list of cancelled nominated applications to 18th September, 1872, and I have made the necessary memoranda with reference thereto. _ I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 75. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 80.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminsfer, S.W., Sir,— 6th February, 1873. I have the honor to enclose you copy of a telegram received in London yesterday respecting the ship "Edwin Fox," with emigrants for Canterbury, which has had to put into Brest in a disabled state. Detailed information is being obtained, and will be forwarded to you by telegram. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 75. Brest, sth February, 1873. Captain Johnson, of the " Edwin Fox," arrived here this morning in tow of steamer " Copernicus ;" main deck swept, cabin gutted, lost four boats, pumps, main-deck house, sails. Doctor and one seaman killed, others injured. Wire instructions from Liverpool. Strong head-winds; made for Falmouth ; hawsers parted. John Johnson, Captain.

Captain.

No. 76. The Agent-Geneeal to the' Hon. tho Colonial Seceetaey. (No. SI.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W, Sir,— 6th February, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that the ship " Edwin Fox " sailed from Gravesend on the 2Sth January for Canterbury. For the reasons stated in my letter of Bth January, No. 13, 1873,

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tho Otago emigrants previously engaged for the "Oberon " were taken in this vessel. The numbers of passengers are the following, viz.: —■ For Canterbury, 95 souls, equal to 80 adults. For Otago, 95 souls, equal to 82 adults. Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. have engaged, at their own expense, to forward tho Otago emigrants to their destination by steamer. The pilot left the vessel off Plymouth, the wind being fair, and everything reported as well. I regret, however, to state that yesterday morning a telegram, dated Brest, sth February, was received from the captain, of which the following is a copy:—" Captain Johnson, of the ' Edwin Fox,' arrived here this morning in tow of the steamer " Copernicus," main deck swept, cabin gutted, lost four boats, pump, main-deck house, sails. Doctor and one seaman killed, others injured. Wire instructions from Liverpool. Strong head winds ; made for Falmouth; hawsers parted." A letter from Captain Johnson is expected to-morrow. In the meantime, a competent person has been despatched by the charterers to Brest, to attend to the necessities of the passengers, and to superintend the refitting of the vessel. On receipt of his report, such other steps will be taken as the circumstances of the case may require. I have to-day appointed Mr. Wm. Montague H. Welby as surgeon-superintendent, in the place Mr. Langley, who unfortunately lost his life in the vessel. Mr. AVelby leaves London early to-morrow, and will telegraph to mo the condition of the ship and passengers immediately he has made himself acquainted with the circumstances. Further details shall be advised to the Government by next mail. I send enclosed the certified list of the passengers; also the ship's books, furnishing the usual details respecting the emigrants, and the originals of the promissory notes. I forward also promissory notes, signed by the under-stated persons, for the sums advanced to them for travelling and bedding expenses i —Mrs. Ellen McMaster, for £3 9s. 7d.; James Fitzpatrick, for £1; James R. Leggo, for £7 ; AVilliam Lomasney, for £3 10s. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, approved by the Government, are the following, viz.: —To Captain Johnson, £25 ; to Dr. Welby, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed; to the chief officer, £10 ;to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5; to the matron, Mrs. Stewart, £5; to constables for water-closets, £5; to ordinary constables, £2. I have requested the surgeon-superintendent to select a suitable person from among the emigrants, and appoint him to be schoolmaster, promising him a free passage in return for his services, if the Government should be satisfied that his duties have been efficiently discharged. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. tho Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S.—The sum of £10 has been advanced to Mr. AVelby, to enable him to purchase the requisite instruments. A similar sum should therefore be deducted from the amount payable to him, if the Inspecting Officers should report that his duties havo been efficiently performed.

No. 77. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No.-83.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., • Sir,— 6th February, 1873. I have the honor to transmit to you copy of a report by Mr. C. R. Carter, relativo to the selection of the emigrants forwarded under the agreement with Messrs. Brogden. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. Enclosure in No. 77. Mr. C. R. Carter to Dr. Featherston. Sir, — 7, AVestminster Chambers, S.AV., London, 29th January, 1873. I have the honor to state that my last report addressed to you was dated May 22nd, 1872. Up to that period I had selected about 466 adult emigrants under the contract with John Brogden and Sous : of this number, 385 were sent out in the ships " Schiehallion, " Halcione," and the " City of Auckland." I have now to report that since then, and in pursuance of your instructions, and also in compliance with the wishes of the firm of Messrs. Brogden, I have visited and held meetings at the following towns, viz., Falmouth, Redruth, Truro, Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton, Swindon (four times), Barrow, Whitehaven, Burslem, Smethwick, Great Bridge, Leamington (three times), Banbury (twice), Shipton, Brighton (three times), Uxbridgo (six times), Marlborough (twice), Oxford (three times), Wallingford, Hungcrford, and Devizes. Besides these meetings just enumerated I have held others iv London; for instance, three in Great Smith Street, AVestminster, where, on account of a strike of railway servants, I was enabled to select a considerable number of steady and useful hardworking men, mostly with families. It having been intimated to mo that Mr. A. Brogden wished mo to hold a meeting in a back street near to Drury Lane (where a society held missionary meetings, and had succeeded in reclaiming from intemperate habits a large number of working men who were willing to emigrate), I attended at tho place of meeting named. The meeting was held late in the evening, and I found it well attended by about 200 persons. I addressed the meeting, and informed the persons present on what terms

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they could emigrate to New Zealand. I then spoke to each applicant separately, but I am sorry to say that (excepting three) I found their previous habits and present physical appearance precluded me from accepting them—even as a less eligible class of emigrants. In fact I felt it my duty to decline the three apparently eligible ones whom I have alluded to, and who resided in one of the dirty narrow lanes of this densely populated neighbourhood. At other places I selected some of the emigrants entirely away from towns. At Shipton, in Oxfordshire, the agricultural labourers mostly came from the harvest fields to meet me. At this place I selected ten married men, who, with their wives and children, embarked in the " Chile " for Napier. At Great Bridge and Smethwick, in the midst of the coal and iron works near Birmingham, I held two meetings, and had a full attendance (mostly consisting of factory labourers) at each of them. The majority of these working men having been employed for years at indoor work were unsuitable for outdoor work ; besides, many of them were unruly, and could give no references as to character. Under these circumstances I was only able to select 27 applicants from this district. Tho class of labouring men whom I found most suitable and manageable w rere those that I was enabled to select in the counties of Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and AVarwickshire. It was from these agricultural districts that the great majority of the Messrs. Brogden's emigrants in the " Chile," "Jessie Eeadman," "Zealandia," "Forfarshire," "Charlotte Gladstone," and "Lutterworth," were drawn. Out of the whole number in the " Charlotte Gladstone " there were 34 married couples, and in the " Forfarshire " 41, in both cases mostly without any children. At the various meetings at which I explained the benefit that steady working men who were willing to work would derive by emigrating to New Zealand, I studiously avoided overrating the advantages of New Zealand as a field for emigration. I preferred to underrate rather than overrate them. The following is a list of tho ships, and the number of souls who sailed in them, under the contract with John Brogden and Sons:—" Schieliallion," 13S; "Halcione," 62; " City of Auckland," 241; "Ballarat," 26; " Bebington," 184; "Lady Jocelyn," 52; "Christian McAusland," 239; "Chile," 193; "Jessie Eeadman," 208; "Zealandia," 224; "Crusader," 22; "Charlotte Gladstone," 256; "Forfarshire," 216; "Durham," 8; "Lutterworth," 103 ;—total number of souls, 2,172. Classified as under: —Male adults, 1,298; female adults, 404; married couples, 364; male children, 180 ; female children, 171 ; infants, 113 ; single men, 940 ; single women, 40. The 1,298 adults, representing 1,298 able-bodied men, were selected from the following places : — 2 from Oxford, 7 Shipton, 10 Devizes, 9 Taunton, 122 Leamington, 9 Tipton, 210 Uxbridge, 65 Plymouth, 149 Falmouth, 160 London, 30 Burslem, 41 Truro, 30 AVhitehaven, 104 Brighton, 13 Exeter, 67 Swindon, 15 Eedruth, 29 Banbury, 42 Ulverston, 16 Smethwick, 49 Marlborough, 16 Faringdon, 5 AVallingford, 8 Witney, and 81 various. The occupations of the 1,298 adults are as follows: —Navvies, 284 ; farm labourers, 444; labourers mostly brought up to farm work, 339; general labourers, 49 ; bricklayers' labourers, 14 ; quarrymen, 15; masons, 7 ; gangers, 6 ; miners, 49 ; horse drivers, 4 ; sawyers, 7; engine drivers, 5 ; smiths, 6; carpenters, 20; brickmakers, 10; platelayers, 9 ; bricklayers, 2 ; firemen, 3; gardeners, 22; shepherds, 3. Total, 1,298 able-bodied men. The total number of adult emigrants procured and under engagement to John Brogden and Sons is 1,877-j. The total number of adults for which tho Messrs. Brogden have to pay £10 per head is, up to the date hereof, 1,824. Between these two totals there is a discrepancy of 53 } adults. This arises from the first total (1,877-a) including women and children to the extent of 191 adults sent out in the " Forfarshire," and also single women who were taken out in other vessels under arrangements specially favourable to the firm of Messrs. Brogden, whose emigrants, I understand, have been landed in the Colony at an average indebtedness of about £21 per adult. To accomplish these results it was necessary to work at high pressure speed, to sometimes travel night and day and hold two public meetings in one day in towns wide apart: one meeting being held in the middle of the day in oue town, and in the evening at the other. The Provincial distribution of the emigrants has been as follows : —Otago, 896; Marlborough, 138; AVellington, 669; Napier, 219 ; Auckland, 250;— total souls, 2,172. The nationalities of the 2,172 emigrants sent out for the Messrs. Brogden were as follows:— English, 2,064 ; Scotch, 11; Irish, 79 ; AVelsh, 14 ; foreigners, 4. I may note here that during the months of October and November last, emigrants under Messrs. Brogden's system might have been obtained in much larger numbers than I have indicated. Since then a suspension of Messrs. Brogden's emigration operations has taken place, but the machinery for conducting them is still in existence, and can again be put in motion at a very short notice, but perhaps under less favourable circumstances, and at a time when new competitors —such as Brazil and Tasmania —are in the field, and the demand for the farm labourers and roadmakers of Great Britain is greater, while the supply is less than at former periods. I desire to admit—notwithstanding the great liberality of tho Messrs. Brogden, and the excellence of their clothing arrangements—the existence of certain drawbacks to the system of providing everything necessary to enable emigrants to walk on board ship without any prepayment whatever. The drawbacks may be summed up as follows : —ln the first place, to secure 1,800 adults I had to select nearly 2,500, and these 2,500 selections were made from applicants representing at least 6,000 men, each of whom I had to see and question, accept or decline. In many cases, the men I selected went back to their employers and informed them that they were engaged to go to New Zealand; on this they were offered higher wages, and remained with their masters; others who were out of employment when engaged, afterwards heard of work, accepted it, and then declined to go. Some had valid excuses; a few left on their arrival in London, and a number were dissuaded by their friends from going; but not any of them had anything to lose by breaking their engagements, and failing to appear on board on the day fixed for embarking—for not a shilling had been paid, by way of deposit, by one of them. It must be clearly understood that when the names of the selected emigrants were supplied to Shaw, Saville, and Co., as per contract, a certain number was guaranteed, and for each adult of that number failing to embark, a sum of £6 10s. had to be paid to tho contractors. From this it will be seen that the defection of one emigrant not only included the loss of a man, but it risked the sacrifice of £6 10s.

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if his place could not be filled prior to the ship leaving the docks. Though we always provided a reserve of selected men to take the place of defaulters, yet the defections sometimes became so serious that I had to hurry off to the country to make fresh selections at the last moment. In the case of the " Lutterworth," the defections amounted to 25 per cent, of the total number first selected. This concludes my report on the emigrants sent out under engagement with the Messrs. Brogden; and I have now but to refer to two visits I have made to Hitchen in Herefordshire, and Merthyr in Wales, As, in December last, a benevolent gentleman resident at Hitchen had represented to you that a large number of single young women, earning their livelihood at straw-plaiting, and very poorly paid for their work, might be induced to emigrate to the Colony if they fairly knew the advantages of doing so, you desired me to proceed to Hitchen to ascertain what could bo done in the matter. I went there and held two meetings on different evenings, both of which wero well attended; but I regret to say, I found that after all my trouble that the young women were averse to emigrating; not only that, they appeared to me entirely unfitted for the duties required of them in tho colony as domestic servants. Under these circumstances, I felt compelled to decline taking any from Hitchen—at least, such of these as a committee of gentlemen were desirous that I should accept —but I accepted two who resided in a neighbouring village. In conformity with your verbal instructions, on the 20th of the present month, I visited Merthyr for the purpose of ascertaining if any eligible men of the 60,000 now on strike could be secured for New Zealand. To ascertain this, I placed myself in communication with a firm whose men were on strike in Wales, and largely engaged in the coal and iron trade. This firm I found not at all disposed to assist or encourage emigration, as a remedy for the distress existent amongst their men on strike. I next had several interviews with the delegates and president of the Miners' Union, Mr. Halliday. I took this course because I thought it more desirable to invite the co-operation of the leaders of the movement, than to take independent action, and run tho risk of encountering their opposition. They expressed themselves as friendly to emigration as far as regarded outsiders, i.e. agricultural labourers from the neighbouring counties who had only been employed for a year or two about or in the pits ; but as regards practised miners, who are the best supporters of the Union, they, of course, discouraged it. As regards the first class I have named, they were by far tho most suitable of the two for settlement in New Zealand, but Mr. Halliday informed me they were entirely without the means for payment of outfit, kit, railway fare to London, and cash deposit. To this statement, I replied that I had special instructions from the Agent-General for New Zealand to relax the conditions and meet them half way, by advancing tho railway fare (205.) to London, taking no deposit for married couples, and giving free passages to single domestic servants or to daughters of married couples of twelve years of age and upwards. On this he informed me that he could not openly recommend his constituents to emigrate, but he thought the Minors' Union might assist the outsiders to emigrate under the conditions I had named. He then recommended me to appoint AY. T. Preswell, a writer and agent in Merthyr for the Western Daily Mail and the Western Weekly Mail, as agent. The latter gentleman was willing to act in that capacity, and has agreed to work up the adjoining counties in emigration matters. I also enlisted the sympathy and favour of the Rev. John Griffiths, the well-known rector of Merthyr, in favour of my propositions. Since my return you have appointed the gentleman I have named a principal agent in South AVales, and with power to appoint local agents. I have also sent him a supply of emigration papers, and am having others, embodying tho relaxation I have spoken of, printed for his use. Under these circumstances, I venture to think that the capabilities of South AVales, as an emigration district, will be fairly tried. I may finally remark, that no one can personally regret more than I do that eligible emigrants are so difficult to procure; but that regret is lessened when I know that you, Sir, are also aware and willing to make allowance for the adverse circumstances which just now prevail and operate against tho selection of large numbers of the right sort of emigrants. I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand. C. R. Caetee.

No. 78. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 118.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sic,— 6th March, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt via Suez of the Memoranda, particulars of which are annexed. I propose to refer in separate communications to such of these letters as require further remark. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. Enclosure in No. 78. Memoeanda received 26th February, 1873. Memorandum No. 46, 1872, 23rd December, 1872. Enclosing memorandum relating to immigration requirements of Otago. Memorandum No. 47, 1872, 23rd December, 1872. Enclosing telegram from Superintendent of Otago concerning immigrants per "Christian McAusland." Memorandum No. 48, 1872, 23rd December, 1872. Relating to Otago agency. Memorandum No. 49, 1872, 23rd December 1872. Enclosing report on " Jessie Readman." Memorandum No, 133,1872, 23rd December 1872 Relating to Canterbury Freight Company.

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No. 79. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 119.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A rictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— Gth March, 1873. Referring to my letter No. 66, 1573, dated sth February, I have tho honor to send enclosed further lists of cancelled (nominated) applications for free and assisted passages. And I have to request that you will have the goodness to direct tho usual refund to bo made to the persons by whom money has been deposited with the Government in respect of the passages applied for. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 80. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 120.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir — 6th March, 1873. I have the honor to advise tho sailing of the ship " AVoodlark," on the 25th ultimo, for Auckland, with 117 assisted emigrants, equal to 100 l statute adults. I send enclosed the certified list of the passengers, also the ship's book, furnishing the usual details respecting the emigrants, and the originals of the promissory notes. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, are the following, namely:—To Captain AVood, £25 ; to Dr. Goold, £50, and_los. per adult on the number of emigrants landed; to the chief officer, £10 ; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5; to the matron, Mrs. Ford, £5; constables for water-closets, £5 ; constables, ordinary, £2 each. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. A gent-General. P.S. —The sum of £10 has been advanced to Dr. Goold to enable him to purchase the requisite instruments. A similar sum should therefore be deducted from the amount payable to him if the Inspecting Officers should report that his duties have been efficiently performed.

No. 81. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 121.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sic,— 6th March, 1873. With reference to my letter No. 81, of 6th February, reporting the sailing of the ship " Edwin Fox," and the particulars of the disaster which subsequently befell the vessel, I have tho honor now to resume the narrative of events from the date at which that letter was despatched. 1. I informed you that on the 6th instant Mr. Montague H. AVelby had been appointed as surgeon, in place of Mr. Langley, deceased. Mr. Welby, whoso testimonials are most excellent, had previously been employed as surgeon-superintendent of emigrant vessels, and was for some years in practice in New Zealand. Shortly after Mr. AVelby's departure from London, I despatched Mr. Edward Smith to Brest to represent this office during the refitting of tho vessel at that port. I w-as advised by Mr. Walcot and Mr. Cooper (Under Secretary of the Immigration Board) to appoint Mr. Smith, who has previously acted at Southampton as Despatching Officer for the Commissioners. Mr. Smith reported that the emigrants were located some in hotels and some in private houses in the town, and were well cared for. 3. On the 17th February, Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. forwarded to me copy of a letter signed by several of the emigrants, in which Captain Johnson was charged with immoral and unseamanlike conduct. The matron, Mrs. Stewart, was also charged with connivance in the misconduct attributed to tho captain and single women. A letter was also received from one of the single women, in which those charges were repeated. Immediately on receiving the letter first referred to I telegraphed Mr. Smith to the following effect: — " Emigrants Parsiow, AViddowson, Bennett, Bcale, and Moore charge Captain Johnson with grave immoral misconduct with tho single women, and unseamanlike behaviour; they also accuse the matron of connivance. Institute an immediate investigation, and do it in conjunction with Consul. Letter by to-night's post. Do for the emigrants whatever you regard necessary ; provide clothing or whatever else." On the 21st, tho underwritten telegram was received from Mr. Smith, viz. :—" Evidence closed ; captain acquitted ; repairs finished Saturday; embark Monday, possibly Saturday; bedding ready;" and a few days later the official report of the inquiry, together with the evidence, was received. I enclose copies of these papers. The Government will observe that, although the matron appears to have been chargeable with indiscretion in some respects, the grave charge of immorality, or connivance at immorality, is wholly unsupported by any reliable evidence ; and that the charges against the captain are also groundless. 4. While the inquiry into the alleged misconduct of the captain and matron was proceeding, a telegram, of which the following is a copy, was received from Mr. Smith on the 19th February : —

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" Doctor unfit to proceed in ship ; cause, drunkenness. Send another surgeon immediately. Inquiry into captain's conduct proceeding. AVill telegraph result and forward evidence by post as soon as completed." Mr. Smith's letter on this subject is as follows : — " I regret to inform you that the surgeon-superintendent was absent from the hotel all Monday night, and did not return until 2 p.m. yesterday, and then he was w-holly unfit to attend to his duties. I told him to go to bed, and was in hope fbat the state in which he then was, was the result, perhaps, of his having been misled; and that he might, when sober, be able to extenuate his conduct. I find, however, this morning, that he has not beeu at tho hotel all night, and that he is still absent. I have therefore thought it necessary to send you the following telegram [See telegram above] ; and I have also learned this morning, from one of the cabin passengers, that he has several times previously to this had to lead the doctor to the hotel, he being incapacitated from the effects of drink. As the surgeon was unfit to attend to his duties yesterday, I requested the Consul to appoint some medical man in whom he had confidence to visit the emigrants, and to continue to do so until I advised him that his services were no longer required." It was therefore necessary to appoint a third surgeon for this vessel. The gentleman selected was Dr. E. J. Walshe, who has already had charge of Government emigrants, and was very highly recommended by Mr. Dalgety, of the firm of Dalgety, Dv Croz, and Co. Dr. Walshe arrived at Brest on the 24th February, the emigrants embarked on the 26th, and the vessel was taken the same day into Brest Roads, where she now lies waiting for favourable weather. The allowances to Dr. Walshe will be the same as those advised as payable to the surgeon-superintendent in my letter No. 81 before referred to. 5. I am glad to state that the repairs and refitting of the vessel, which were undertaken by the French naval authorities, have been performed in a very thorough and satisfactory manner. The hull of tho vessel was entirely uninjured, the water in the hold, when the ship was brought into port, having been taken in at tho hatchways. 6. The bedding of the emigrants was for the most part destroyed or seriously injured by sea water, and much of their clothing was either lost or so damaged as to bo useless. The whole of the articles w-hich were lost or destroyed have been replaced by new, and the remaining bedding and clothing has been thoroughly repaired, and made serviceable. The expense will be shared between this office and Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. 7. I am sorry to state that a number of the emigrants positively refused to proceed in the ship, and have returned home. Their names, so far as up to the present time I have been able to ascertain them, aro as follows : —Ellen Bergin, Bridget Bergin, Connor Bergin, Maria Bergin, Ellen Bergin (child), Thomas Ryau, AY. J. Brown, Sarah Welsh, Daniel Rogers and wife, John Parslow, Andrew Kerr, James Lee, J. G. Donaldson, John McPhee, James Quin, Charles Fletcher, Martin Hyland and family (21), Aaron Chinery and family (21). Total —211 adults. 8. I have only to add that Mr. Rainals, Her Majesty's Consul at Brest, who (in consequence of a request from me, communicated through the Colonial Office, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs) was directed " to afford Mr. Smith every proper assistance in making arrangements for the emigrants," has carried out that instruction in the most complete manner. Mr. Rainals presided at the inquiry, a report of which is sent with this letter, and in other ways rendered valuable aid both to the emigrants and to this office. Mr. Smith, wdio has discharged the duties of his mission in a very satisfactory way, returned to London a day or two ago, and is now engaged in the preparation of his report, which will be forwarded by next mail. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S. —Since writing the foregoing, I learn by telegraph that the ship sailed from Brest yesterday forenoon.

No. 82. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 128.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A rictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— Oth March, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that the ship " Michael Angelo " sailed from Gravesend on the 2nd instant for Otago. It was arranged that the emigrants engaged for the " Langstone," for Canterbury, should proceed by the above vessel, Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. paying the expense of forwarding them to their destination by steamer. The number of passengers are the following : — For Otago, 76 souls=64 adults. For Canterbury, 84 souls=72l adults. I send enclosed the certified list of the passengers ; also the ship's books, furnishing the usual details respecting the emigrants ; and the originals of the promissory notes. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, approved by the Government, are the following, viz. : —To Captain Luckie, £25; to Dr. AVelch, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed ; to the chief officer, £10 ; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; to the matron, Miss Sismon, £5 ; to the assistant matron, Mrs. Sills, £2 ; to constables, for water-closets, £5; to ordinary constables, £2 each. I have requested the surgeon-superintendent to select a suitable person from among the emigrants, and appoint him to be schoolmaster, promising him a free passage in return for his services, if the Government should be satisfied that his duties have been efficiently discharged. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. 5—D. 2d.

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No. 83. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 158.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV., Sir,— 21st March, 1873. In further reference to the Hon. Mr. AVaterhouse's Memorandum No. 33, 1872, of sth December, relating to certain papers deposited at this office by Thomas Annette, an emigrant per " Ballarat," I have tho honor to state that one or more of the papers were forwarded to tho Colony soon after the departure of tho vessel, addressed —" Thomas Annette, Pensioner, Post Office, Auckland." I enclose herewith a baptismal certificate of one of the children of the applicant. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon, the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 84. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 102.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV., Sic— 21st March, 1873. AVith reference to the Hon. Mr. AVaterhouse's letter No. 39, 1872, of 12th December, I havo the honor to state that, on examination of the ship's books of the "Ballarat," I am unable to find that any family of the name of Thompson proceeded as Government emigrants in that vessel. I enclose copy of a letter upon the subject received to-day from Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., from which it appears that the family named did not proceed as full-paying passengers in the ship named. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 84. Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. to Mr. A. 0. Ottywell. Deae Sir, — 34, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C., 21st March, 1873. In reply to your favour of yesterday, wo beg to inform you the only paying passengers per " Ballarat " were, Henry Steed, wife, mother, and sister, and a single man named Edward Bennett. As the family you name were not among the Government emigrants, wo presume the Colonial authorities have made a mistake in their name in advising you respecting them. AYe are, Ac, A. 0. Ottywell, Esq., 7, Westminster Chambers, S.AV. Shaw, Saville, and Co.

No. 85. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 609.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV., Sic,— 21st March, 1873. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Cospatrick," for Otago, on the 20th instant, with 34 free and assisted emigrants, equal to 271 adults. As tho list of passengers was completed only yesterday, the ship's book furnishing the usual details Will not be ready for despatch by the mail closing to-night. This return shall, however, be forwarded by next mail, together with all other necessary particulars. The certified list, showing the destinations of the emigrants, accompanies this letter. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. A gent-General.

No. 86. The Age_.t-Ge_.eeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 493.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV, Sir,— llth April, 1873. Referring to the telegram of His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, forwarded to me by the Hon. Mr. AVaterhouse (under cover of Memorandum No. 47, 1872), in which ho says, —" Those [emigrants] sent by Brogden in ' Christian McAusland' are the very worst lot ever arrived here. It is a perfect disgrace bringing out respectable immigrants, such as those from Shetland and North of Scotland, in same ship, and I fear will greatly deter further immigration from same quarter,"—l beg to state that I am fully aware that the navvies, as a class, are, generally speaking, rough in their manners, not over choice in their language, and ready to rely a good deal on physical force, and that I therefore fully concur in the opinion expressed by His Honor that it was undesirable to send them out in a ship containing other emigrants. But with reference to His Honor's fear (as expressed elsewhere) that navvies are likely to increase the numbers of the criminal classes, I would remark that in this country navvies as a body are generally in receipt of very high wages, and arc therefore in a great

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measure removed from tho temptations of vice and crime to which the more destitute classes are exposed ; and I still believe " Brogden's men" will in the end prove to be really valuable settlers, knowing as I do that a considerable number of them havo been at one time of their lives strictly agricultural labourers. I have already, in previous despatches, explained that the great difference between emigration to New Zealand and to tho Australian colonies consists in this : that whereas in the former case the emigrants aro required to bo distributed amongst six or eight different Provinces, in the latter they are always landed at one port, thus rendering it extremely difficult, in the case of New Zealand, to obtain within a reasonable time a full complement of emigrants for any one ship. It is scarcely necessary to observe that this difficulty would be materially increased if, as has been suggested in various memoranda of the Government, emigrants of different nationalities, or of different classes, as now suggested by the Superintendent of Otago, were required to be sent out iv separate ships. But as regards the sending out navvies in the same ships with other emigrants, His Honor is not likely to have further cause of complaint on this ground, inasmuch as, I regret to say, the Messrs. Brogden, in consequence of the representations made to them by Mr. James Brogden, are already demurring to send out any more emigrants under their contract. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon, the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 87. The Agent-General to the Hon. tho Colonial Secretary. (No. 492.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 14th April, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 17th January, 1573 (No. 14, 1873), covering copy of a letter from the Immigration Agent at Christchurch, and, in reply, to stato that I have never made any promises, either of land or employment by the Government in the Colony, to a single emigrant sent out in the ships despatched by me. AVith regard to the persons named iv Mr. March's letter, I beg to state that, to the best of my belief, I never had any communication whatever with either Christian Laagesen or Heinrieh A. Larsen, emigrants by the ship " Crusader." In tho case of Mr. Petersen, however, who was highly recommended to mo by Mr. AVinge and other influential persons at Christiania, I did promise to request the Government to find him some employment in one of the Scandinavian settlements. I was under the impression that I had in private correspondence redeemed the promise I had made to Mr. Petersen's friends, and that Mr. Friberg was made aware at Christiania of my desire to promote their wishes in this matter. If, however, I have failed to do this, I would now- beg earnestly to recommend Mr. Petersen to the Government for employment, as being a man of education, of a good social position, and thoroughly trustworthy in every respect. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, Tho Hon, the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 88. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 493.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 17th April, 1873. I havo the honor to acknowledge receipt of the lion. Mr. AVaterhouse's Memorandum of sth of December (No. 34, 1872), and I trust that I havo sufficiently answered the complaints as regards the character of Messrs. Brogden's emigrants, in my despatch of April llth, and in the report prepared at my request by Mr. Carter, to whom I intrusted the duty of examining and passing all emigrants sent out by Messrs. Brogden. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 89. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 495.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 17th April, 1873. Referring to the Memorandum of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, No. 9, 1873, of 9th January, I have tho honor to stato that, in accordance with your instructions, an additional gratuity of £50 shall be paid to surgeon-superintendents of emigrant ships in all cases where it shall appear that these officers have performed their duties satisfactorily, and on their intimating their readiness to proceed in other vessels. I observe that this additional gratuity is to be paid to Dr. Elphinstone and to Dr. Husband, in respect of the services performed by them last year as surgeons of the ships "St. Leonards " and " Jessie Readman " respectively; also to the widow of Dr. Dry, late surgeon-superintendent of the " Glenmark," who was unfortunately lost in that vessel. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon, the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 90. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 49G.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 18th April, 1873. Referring to Memorandum No. 3-73, of 10th of January, 1873, from the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, 1 have the honor to state that the usual notice was sent to Mrs. Abrahamscn (who was nominated in AVellington application No. 57) in October of last year. I gather, however, from a note received from Mrs. Abrahamsen, that the notice referred to did not reach her. I observe that the address given in the nomination paper differs slightly from that which Mrs. Abrahamscn writes under date 17th instant. The applicant will receive the offer of a passage by the next vessel proceeding to AVellington. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 91. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 497.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A rictoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sie ,— 18th April, 1873. With reference to Memorandum No. 10, 1873, of 16th January, of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, on the subject of a complaint by Jonathan Heape, an assisted emigrant by the " Agnes Muir," as to his not having been supplied with the full quantity of bedding and utensils, for which he paid the sum of £3, I have the honor to inform you that a copy of Mr. Heape's statement has been forwarded to the contractors who supplied the ship's outfits'to the vessel named, with a request that they will furnish an explanation of the matters complained of. Copy of their reply shall be forwarded to the Government by next mail. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General,

No. 92. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 498.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 18th April, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that the ship "Halcione" is expected to sail to-day from Gravesend for AVellington with a full complement of free and assisted immigrants. The lists are not yet completed, aud I am therefore unable to acquaint you with the precise number of emigrants who proceed by this vessel. Probably above 256 statute adults are on board. The certified lists, ship's book, and original promissory notes shall be forwarded by next mail. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officer, if approved by the Government, are the following, viz.: —To Captain Bishop, £25 ; to Dr. Besley, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult upon the number of emigrants landed. (According to a recent instruction acknowledged in a separate letter by this mail, Dr. Besley will be entitled to receive in London a further gratuity of £50 pounds if ho should be recommended by the Government for further employment, and intimate to me his readiness to proceed in another vessel.) To the chief officer, £10 ; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; to the matron, Mrs. Hessel, £5 ; to assistant matron (if appointed), £2 ; to constables (special) for water-closets, £5 ; ordinary, £2 each. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S.—As the " Halcione " is unable to accommodate all who had paid their deposits, a few single men, about eight in all, will be forwarded per "Schiehallion," sailing to-morrow for AVellington.

No. 93. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 499.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Arictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 18th April, 1873. Referring to Memorandum No. 2, 1873, of 9th January, 1873, from the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, I have tho honor to inform you that Wellington nomination No. 33, in favour of Alexander and Ann Chisholm, was cancelled on the 9th of January last, and a letter of advice, stating that the nomination had been so dealt with, was sent to the Government on that day. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 94. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 503.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sir,— 18th April, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that I have engaged the under-stated vessels to proceed with immigrants to the Colony during the month of May, viz.: — " Mary Shepherd," for Canterbury, to sail 10th May. " Berar," for Auckland, to sail 20th May. " Allahabad," for Otago, to sail 27th May. " Punjaub," for Canterbury, to sail 30th May. By these vessels I hope to send not less than 1,200 statute adult emigrants. As the Auckland applications are very numerous, it is possible that a small supplementary number may be despatched by the " City of Auckland" before the end of May. I have also invited tenders (to be sent in on the 24th instant) for vessels to sail on the following dates, viz. :—For Wellington, sth Juno; for Hawke's Bay, llth Juno; for Auckland, 17th June; for Otago, 23rd Juno ; for Canterbury, 30th June. I have, Ac. I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 95. Tho Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 505.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 18th April, 1873. Referring to Memorandum No. 4, 1873, of 10th January, 1873, from the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, relative to the expenses incurred in consequence of the ships " Christian McAusland" and " Palmerston" having been detained in quarantine, and to the " advisability of increasing the number of lay days in cases of quarantine," I have the honor to refer you to my letter No. 150, 1873, of 21st ult., in which this subject is treated of. The Government will observe that in the new emigration contract I have adopted the number of lay days required by Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners in their recent charter-parties. I have, Ac I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 96. Tho Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 509.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Arictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 18th April, 1873. I have the honor to send enclosed ship's book of the " Cospatrick," with original promissory notes given by the emigrants. I send also duplicates of the certified list. As advised in my letter by last mail, the " Cospatrick" sailed from Gravesend on the 20th March. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 97. Extract from Telegram from the Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. London, 28th April, 1873. "Emigeation orders will be executed during current year. "Halcione," "Fleming," sails 17th, with full complement —AVellington, Otago. 1,400 emigrants engaged for May. Six ships taken up for June. No firm except Saville's tender. Arranged with Turner privately for the ship Canterbury, at £16 10s. Accepted Saville's tender for four June ships, at £14. One Napier, £16. Regret instructions not to send emigrants June, July, August, was not with withdrawn sooner Morrison left. Emigration Agents sent home costly —useless Featheeston.

No. 98. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 617.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic— 30th April, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 14th February (No. 27), covering copy of a letter from the Rev. Mr. Ogg on the subject of promoting emigration from the Shetland Islands to New Zealand.

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I entirely concur in the opinion expressed by Mr. Ogg, that the flying visits of peripatetic agents are not likely to bo attended with any satisfactory- results; and, adopting the suggestion he has made, I shall request Mr. Barclay to visit the Shetland Islands, and remain there as long as there is any prospect of promoting the kind of emigration required. With respect to the alleged desire of landowners to get rid of their tenants by assisting them to emigrate, I must remark that, although on several occasions, both in the Shetland Islands and in the North of Scotland, landowners havo offered to afford liberal pecuniary aid to their tenants, the offer has almost invariably been refused. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 99. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 616.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sic,— 30th April, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 15th February (No. 34), the substance of which I have officially communicated to the Rev. Mr. Barclay and to Mr. Seaton. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 100. Tho Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 618.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sir,— 30th April, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 12th February (No. 24), covering an application from the Superintendent of Otago on behalf of Mr. Burns for a number of work-people for his woollen factory at Otago, and to report that Mr. Seaton has been instructed accordingly. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 101. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 619.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sir,— Ist May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 15th February, 1873 (No. 12), transmitting Memoranda Nos. 16 to 34 inclusive from the Hon. the Minister for Lands and Immigration. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. c__a_____^_cH____B-_H_-_-___(a(aMß--sraß--s_---_H_ae____

No. 102. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 624.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— sth May, 1873. I have tho honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 21st January last, covering a letter from the Immigration Agent at Canterbury, pointing out that clause 22 of the contract with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., relative to the stowage of immigrants' luggage, is not, as a rule, properly carried out. I beg that you will convey to Mr. March my thanks for his information, as I am thus placed in a position to take steps to prevent the recurrence of such complaints. Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. will bo immediately communicated with on the subject. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 103. The Aoent-General to tho Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 621.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Arictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 6th May, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that the ship " Halcione " sailed from Gravesend on the 18th April for Wellington, with 329 assisted emigrants, equal to 2561 statute adults. As this vessel was

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unable to take the whole of the emigrants who were engaged to proceed, I arranged that eight adults should be taken by " Schiehallion," which vessel sailed on tho 21st April. The total number of emigrants was therefore increased to 337 souls, equal to 2641 adults. I send enclosed the certified list of tho passengers, also tho ship's book, furnishing the usual details respecting the emigrants, and the originals of the promissory notes. The gratuities payable ou the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, approved by the Government, are the following, viz. : —To Captain Bishop, £25 ; to Dr. Besley, surgeon-superintendent, £50, and 10s. per adult on the emigrants landed; to the chief officer, £10 ; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5; to the matron, Mrs. Hcssel, £5 ; constables for water-closets, £5; ordinary, £2 each. I have requested the surgeoii-superintendcnt to select a suitable person from among the emigrants, and appoint him to be schoolmaster, promising him a free passage in return for his services, if the Government should be satisfied that his duties have been efficiently discharged. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. A gent-General.

No. 104. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 623.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A Tictoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 6th May, 1873. I have the honor to enclose herewith duplicate copy of the ship's book of the " Cospatrick," for Otago ; also the duplicates of the promissory notes taken from the emigrants by that vessel. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. tho Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 105. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 622.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 7th May, 1873. Referring to Lands and Immigration Memorandum No. 23, 1873, of 10th February last, I. have the honor to report that the nominations made under Otago application No. 89, dated 17th February, 1872, will not be taken advantage of, as Mr. George Green, of Leicester, by whom tho selection was to be made, having failed to engago men of the class required, has made other engagements. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 106. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (626.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 13th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 21st January (No. 16, 1873), requesting supply of " Passengers Act," and to inform you that this shall receive my immediate attention. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 107. The Agent-General to tho Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 627.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 13th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 14th February (No. 30, 1873), forwarding information relative to the Scandinavian immigrants per ship " Palmerston." I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 108. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 163.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sir,— 13th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Lands and Immigration Memorandum (No. 22, 1873), of Bth February, with reference to Hawke's Bay nomination No. 40, in favour of Jcssio

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Kennedy. In reply, I beg to state that the usual notice was sent to the nominee in December last. I will again write to Jessie Kennedy, and urge her to complete her arrangements in time to proceed by the " Celestial Queen," to embark passengers for Napier by the 4th Juno. It frequently happens that the nominee receives the passage order from his friends in the Colony several weeks prior to the arrival at this office of the Government advice respecting it; and I respectfully suggest that it might be convenient to indorse the warrant with a recommendation that the applicant should write to this office if he does not receive a nomination within a week from the date of the receipt of advice from the nominator. I havo, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 109. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 73.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sir,— llth May, 1873. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Mary Shepherd," on the 12th instant, for Canterbury, with 360 assisted emigrants, equal to 290 \ statute adults. I send enclosed the certificate list of the passengers, and the originals of the promissory notes. In accordance with the instructions of the Hon. tho Minister of Immigration (Lands and Immigration Memo. No. 26, 1573, of 13th February), that the ship's books are not to be transmitted via Brindisi, the detailed accounts of this vessel will be sent via Southampton on the sth June, twentyfour days after the departure of the ship. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, are the following, viz. : —To Captain Carolan, £25 ; to Dr. McGowan, £50, and 10s. per adult on tho number of emigrants landed; to the chief officer, £10; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5; to the matron, Miss Burton, £5 ; to one or two assistant matrons, if appointed, £2 each. Mr. AY. 11. Comerford was appointed schoolmaster, and a free passage was promised to him if the Government should be of opinion that his duties had been properly discharged. As Mr. Comerford paid £5 on account of his passage cost, the Government will no doubt return him that sum. As a larger number of emigrants than the " Mary Shepherd " could take were desirous of proceeding at the date fixed for the despatch of that vessel, I arranged with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. to lay on tho " Columbus," to embark passengers on the 15th inst. That ship will therefore sail for Canterbury during the present week. The number engaged is 134 } adults. The " Mary Shepherd" embarked emigrants at Plymouth. The " Columbus" receives her passengers in London, the contract rate being £16 per adult. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. P.S.—The sum of £20 was advanced to Dr. McGowan in aid of the expenses incident to his embarkation. A similar sum should therefore be deducted from the amount payable to him on the report of the Inspecting Officers.

No. 110. The Aoent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 632.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir— 14th May, 1873. I have tho honor to acknowledge receipt of Lands and Immigration Memorandum No. 32,1873, of 15th February last, and I thank you for the copy of the minutes of the Board of Health, Dunedin, with reference to the ships " Christian McAusland" and "Palmerston," lately in quarantine at Port Chalmers. I have, Ac, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 111. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 633.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV., Sir,— 1 llh May, 1873. Referring to Lands and Immigration Memorandum No. 13, 1873, of 23rd January, respecting the alleged " inadequate supply of stationery and other requisites oil board the ' Pleiades,' " and to the fact that "no instructions were given to Mr. Coker as to the performance of his duties as schoolmaster," — I have the honor to state that the number of children who proceeded iv the vessel being small, it was not intended that any schoolmaster should be appointed during the voyage. Hence no instructions for schoolmaster were issued, and no books or other materials provided.

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The copy-books, pens, ink, blotting-paper, Ac, said to have been " found " by Mr. Coker, were placed on board for the single women, and instructions as to their use were given to the matron. The surgeon, acting with the best intentions, appears to have been betrayed into an act of supererogation in appointing Mr. Coker as schoolmaster, and in withdrawing from the single women's department the copy-books and stationery which were intended for their exclusive benefit. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 112. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 634.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 14th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Lands and Immigration Memorandum No. 20, of 24th January, with reference to Auckland nominated passage order No. 129, in favour of Catherine Montague. On reference to the list, I find that notice was sent to this person on the Bth October last; that the necessary papers have been completed ; and that the young woman has been invited to proceed by the ship " Berar," on the 20th instant. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 113. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 635.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 14th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Lands and Immigration Memorandum No. 19, 1873, of 24th January last, enclosing copy of the Immigration Commissioners' report on the ship " Chile," at Napier; and copies of the reports by Dr. Macan, surgeon-superintendent of that vessel. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 114. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 636.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. Sic,— 16th May, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that Otago nominated emigrant Jane Eagle (No. 274, Schedule 17), being under the impression that she could not proceed to the Colony except by embarking at London, which she declined to do, has returned to her husband, the nominator, the receipt for the £4 paid by him for her passage. It has, however, been arranged that she shall proceed by the " Peter Denny," sailing from Glasgow for Otago on the 12th June; and I have accordingly to request that in the event of the nominator applying for a refund of the amount paid, he may be informed of this arrangement, as the nominee will not have the opportunity of apprising him thereof by this mail. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial.Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 115. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 638.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 16th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse's Memorandum of 19th December, 1872 (No. 46), covering a report by the Immigration Officer at Dunedin, dated 29th November, 1872. I have perused Mr. Colin Allan's report with much interest, and I feel sure that the representations sent home by him will leave a good effect in promoting emigration among his countrymen. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. 6—D. 2d.

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No. 116. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 640.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sic— 16th May, 1873. Referring to Lands and Immigration Memorandum No. 12, 1873, dated 17th January last, in which you comment upon the delay alleged to have occurred in communicating with Elizabeth Ann Prescott, who was nominated in Otago passage order No. 19 as far back as the 29th September, 1871, I have the honor to state that the passage order referred to is one of those in respect of which, as already stated, the Otago Home Agent undertook to send the proper notice to the nominated persons. On hearing from the Government that these persons had not been communicated with, notices were issued from this office. Elizabeth Prescott has since completed the necessary papers, and her passage will be taken by the " Allahabad " for Otago, on the 27th inst. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. By Authority: Georgb DrosßllEy, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB73. Price Is. $d.\