IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND. (FURTHER LETTERS FROM THE AGENT-GENERAL.)

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

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND.

(FURTHER 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. 620.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— Ist May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 14th February, and in reply to state that as soon as the promoters of the proposed Moravian settlement have placed themselves in communication with me, I shall be glad to afford them all the assistance in my power. They will of course obtain passages on terms as favourable in every way as those which are granted to other emigrants. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 2. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 642.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sr_ — 16th May, 1873. I have the honor to forward herewith, for the information of the Governor, a list of the subagents for emigration purposes appointed by me in Great Britain and Ireland. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 3. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 637.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 16th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Lands and Immigration Memorandum No. 26, of 13th February last, in which I am directed, "in consequence of the heavy rate of postage charged on the ships' books (giving detailed particulars with reference to immigrants) sent via Brindisi," to discontinue the transmission of these books by that route. The instruction of the Government shall be complied with. The ship's book of the " Mary Shepherd," (otherwise) forwarded via Brindisi to-day, will be sent via Southampton on the sth June. I think it right however to draw your attention to the earlier Memorandum of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke, No. 6, 1872, of 28th October, in which the following passage occurs: — " It is very desirable that the ship's books should be forwarded by tho first mail after the ships have sailed, as otherwise, when the ship makes a good run, she is liable to arrive before the Immigration Officer has had time to prepare for her. This will be apparent when I mention that on receipt of the book here, some of the particulars have to be forwarded to the Superintendent and the Immigration Officer at tho port of the ship's arrival, and that then the friends of nominated immigrants have to be written to, requesting that the immigrants may be met and provided for. The time which this necessarily takes renders it of importance to receive the ships' book from you with as little delay as possible, the nominal list of passengers not being sufficient." I—T). 2e.

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In accordance with this instruction it has been the practice in the Emigration Department to make special efforts to complete the ship's book in time for transmission by the mail first made up after the date of the departure of the vessel. I have, <fee, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 4. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 58.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir— 19th May, 1873. Referring to the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse's Memorandum of 9th December (No. 37, 1872), informing me that his attention has been called by the Superintendent of Canterbury to the desirability of despatching ships for that Province so as to arrive if possible in the spring and summer, and instructing me " to arrange, so far as possible, that the departure of the vessels may be timed so as to insure their arrival in New Zealand during the season indicated," I beg to state that I fully recognize the desirability of the emigrants being landed in the Colony at the time when labour is most in demand, and especially in the Province of Canterbury previous to harvest time. But considering the large number of emigrants that it is proposed to introduce during the current year, it is absolutely essential, in order to keep pace with the requirements of the Colony, that I should ship them off whenever they can be procured. At the same time I will endeavor, in accordance with the suggestion of the Superintendent of Canterbury, to time the arrival of the emigrants as far as possible for tho spring and summer months. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 5. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 759.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib— 3rd June, 1873. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Allahabad," on the 31st ultimo, for Otago with 275 assisted immigrants, equal to 229 adults. I send enclosed the certified list of the passengers, a copy of the ship's book, and the originals of the promissory notes. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, are the following, viz.:—To Captain Crispin, £25 ; to Dr. Gibson, £50, and 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, Mrs. Bull, £5 ; constables, ordinary, £2 each ; for water-closets, £5. The Rev. Mr. Glasson, who proceeds as cabin passenger in the ship, has undertaken the duties of chaplain and schoolmaster, and in consideration of his discharging the duties of these offices, I have promised to pay to the ship-owners the sum of £25 towards the cost of his passage. I have, &c., W. Buller, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. (for Agent-General.)

No. 6. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 760.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 3rd June, 1873. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Columbus," on the 19th ultimo, for Canterbury, with 151 assisted emigrants, equal to 1301 statute adults. 1 send enclosed the certified list of the passengers, a copy of the ship's book, and the originals of the promissory notes. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, are the following, viz.: —To Captain Irwin, £25; to Dr. Dunkley, £50, and 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, Mrs. Lawrence, £5 ; constables, ordinary, £2 each ; for water-closets, £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, &c, W. Buller, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. (for Agent-General).

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No. 7. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 761.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 4th June, 1873. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Punjaub," on the 2nd instant, for Canterbury, with 330 assisted emigrants, equal to 264 statute adults. I send enclosed the certified list of the passengers, and the originals of the promissory notes. In accordance with the instruction of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration (Lands and Immigration Memorandum No. 28, 1873, of 13th July), that the ships' books are not to be transmitted via Brindisi, the detailed accounts of this vessel will be sent via Southampton on the night of the 2nd of June, and the mail via Southampton closes to-day. It was therefore impossible to get the account ready in time for transmission by this mail. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, are the following, viz.:—To Captain Renaut, £25 ; to Dr. Durham, £50, and 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, Mrs. Bull, £5; to one or two assistantmatrons, if appointed, £2 each ; to constables, ordinary, £2 each ; for water-closets, £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, &c, AY. Buller, The Hon. tho Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. (for Agent-General). P.S.—The sum of £10 was advanced to Dr. Durham in aid of the expenses incident to his embarkation. A sinilar sum should therefore be deducted from the amount payable to him on the report of the Inspecting Officers. —W.B.

No. 8. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 762.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.AV., Sir, — 3rd June, 1873. I have the honor to advise the sailing of the ship " Berar " for Auckland on the 23rd ultimo, with 311 assisted emigrants, equal to 247.V statute adults. I send enclosed the certified list of the passengers, a copy of the ship's book, and the originals of the promissory notes. The gratuities payable on the recommendation of the Inspecting Officers, indorsed by the Government, aro the following, viz.:—To Captain Heigho, £25 ; to Dr. Cunningham, £50, and 10s. per adult on the number of adults landed; to the chief officer, £10 ; to the officer who serves out the provisions, £5 ; to tho matron, Mrs. Hawkins, £5 ; to an assistant matron, if appointed, £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, &c, W. Buller, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. (for Agent-General). P.S.—The sum of £20 was advanced to Dr. Cunningham in aid of the expenses incident to his embarkation. A similar sum should therefore be deducted from the amount payable to him on tho report of the Inspecting Officers.

No. 9. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 334.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 3rd June, 1873. Referring to my letter No. 293, 1873, of the 14th ultimo, I have now the honor to enclose the ship's book, giving the usual details concerning the emigrants proceeding to Canterbury by the " Mary Shepherd." I have, &c, W. Buller. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. (for Agent-General.)

No. 10. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 764.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sir,— 2nd June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 14th March (No. 43, 1873), forwarding extract from a letter written by the Rev. Charles Ogg, of Wellington, to the Rev. James Barclay, of Tell, Shetland, with reference to forwarding fifty single women from that neighbourhood to AVellington, and to inform you that I have given effect to the instructions relating thereto. I have, &c., I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General

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No. 11. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 765.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 2nd June, 1873. Referring to the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 21st January (No. 16,1873), requesting me to procure and forward, for the use of his department, fifty* authorized copies of " The Passengers Act, 1855," and any amending Acts, I have the honor to inform you that an amended Act is about to be published, and that the required number of copies will be forwarded by the first opportunity. I have, <_c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 12. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 766.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 2nd June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 14th March (No. 42,1873), forwarding a copy of a letter from Mr. March, Immigration Officer at Christchurch, having reference to the bedding supplied to emigrants, and to state that Mr. March's suggestions shall have my best consideration. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 13. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 767.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 2nd June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of the 14th March (No. 40,1873), forwarding report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Charlotte Gladstone," which arrived at Port Chalmers on the 16th February; also copy of notes by Dr. O'Donoghue, one of the said Commissioners. I observe that, in consequence of a memorandum sent in by the Surgeon-Superintendent to the Board of Health, the Governor had appointed a Commission to investigate the statements made therein, and that Mr. O'Rorke proposes to defer his remarks until the report of this Commission has been received and considered. I shall therefore reserve my remarks on the subject until receipt of your further communication. I have, _-~ I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 14. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 768.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 2nd June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 14th March (No. 39,1873), forwarding a report of the Immigration Commissioners on the ship " Forfarshire." AVith reference to the complaints as to the manner in which the contract has in this instance been carried out by Messrs. Shaw, Saville, aud Co., I beg to inform you that I have requested those gentlemen to furnish any explanation they may have to offer. On receipt of their communication I shall address you further on the subject. I have, <&c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 15. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 346.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 2nd June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 15th March (No. 48, 1873), relative to the allocation of emigrants proposed to be sent to the Colony during the current year. I observe that the Province of Auckland is to be placed on the same footing as Canterbury and Otago as regards the distribution of emigrants throughout the Colony. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 16. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 770.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See,— 2nd June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 10th March (No. 44, 1873), covering a letter from Ann Delaney, complaining that a written character left with the local agent in Dublin had not been forwarded to New Zealand as promised. Immediate inquiries shall be made, and the testimonial, if it can be recovered, will be forwarded via Brindisi on the Bth instant. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 17. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 771.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 2nd June, 1573. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorko's Memorandum of 11th March (No. 31, 1873), approving my action with reference to the family named Jordan, passengers by the " Himalaya " to Canterbury last year. I have, <fee, 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. 772.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 2nd June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 11th March (No. 38, 1873), enclosing report by the Immigration Commissioners at Auckland, upon the emigration ship " Warwick. " I regret the Commissioners were of opinion that the between decks was insufficiently ventilated, and the fittings badly planned. I beg to remark that the means of ventilation provided, and the other arrangements of the vessel, were carefully inspected and duly approved by Her Majesty's Emigration Officers here. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 19. The Agent-General to the Hon. tho Colonial Secretary. (No. 773.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See,— 20th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 14th March (No. 41,1873), covering reports by the Immigration Officer and Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Himalaya," which arrived at Lyttelton on 3rd March. I regret exceedingly that the matron, who was well recommended, should have so grossly misconducted herself on the passage. With regard to the complaint that "a boy aged thirteen was domiciled with the single women," I have to inform you that on referring to the ship's book I find that a family of the name of Brown included two sons, aged seventeen and thirteen respectively, both of whom w rero classed with the single men. If tho younger of these lads was berthed with the single women, it must have been by arrangement made after the departure of the vessel. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 20. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 774.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See — 3rd June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of Bth January (No. 22, 1873), enclosing copy of a letter from the Immigration Officer at Napier, with reference to the application for a nominated passage for Jessie Kennedy, and to inform you that the necessary inquiries shall at once be made. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 21. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 366.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 3rd June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 15th February (No. 33, 1873), transmitting a schedule of further lists of nominated immigrants. I have, <fee., I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 22. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 777.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., See,— 10th June, 1873. Referring to my letter No. 292 of 15th May, I have the honor to inform you that the undermentioned emigrant vessels were despatched for the Colony during May, viz.:— For Canterbury.—The "Mary Shepherd" with 35S souls = 290_ adults; the "Columbus" with 151 souls = 180 i adults ; the " Punjaub " with 330 souls = 264. For Auckland. —The " Berar," with 311 souls, = 247.} adults. For Otago.— Tho " Allahabad," with 276 souls, = 229 adults. Total during May, 1,426 souls, = 1,161| adults. 2. The arrangements for the despatch of vessels during Juue are the following, viz.:— For Wellington and Napier. —The "Douglas," to sail 11th June. For Otago. —" Peter Deuny," to sail 15th June. For Auckland. —" St. Leonard's," to sail 17th June. For Canterbury.—-" Celestial Queen," to sail 20th June. For Otago. —" Dover Castle," to sail 23rd June. For Canterbury. —" Adamant," to sail 30th June. For the reasons stated in my letter already referred to, it has been found necessary to withdraw the Hawke's Bay direct ship. The emigrants engaged for that Province will therefore proceed by the " Douglas," by way of Wellington. This vessel will take upwards of 400 souls, equal to about 330 adults. The " Peter Denny," embarking emigrants at Glasgow, will take about 260 adults. The complements for the other vessels are not yet made up. Further advices on this point shall be sent next mail. The "Mary Shepherd" sailed from Plymouth, and the "Adamant" will also embark her emigrants at that port. I have, &c., I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 23. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 375.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A Tictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See,— 11th June, 1573. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 14th April (No. 68,1873), calling the attention of the Government to the perfunctory manner in which Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners appear to perform their duties, and enclosing copy of a Memorandum in which he recommends that His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand be requested to forward to the Imperial Government copies of the evidence taken in the recent prosecutions against the masters of the ships " Forfarshire " and " Glenlora." From my personal observations of the manner in which these duties are performed, I have little doubt that Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners will prove that the charges made by Mr. O'Rorke are entirely unfounded. I have myself seen, whenever it was possible, the dispatch of many of the emigrant ships, and I am bound to say it is impossible to conceive a more searching investigation than, that which has been instituted by Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners to enforce the fulfilment of all the provisions of the Passengers' Act. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 24. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 377.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir, — 11th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Momorandum of 14th April (No. 71,1873), covering copy of a letter from His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland on the subject of the class of emigrants most suited to that Province.

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Mr. O'Rorke very properly indicates certain discrepancies in this letter, namely, that His Honor, after pointing out the peculiar advantages offered by the Province of Auckland to small capitalists, &c, says, — " These considerations account for the fact that a large quantity of mere labour cannot be rapidly absorbed: a few hundreds could be at once, in the settled districts, extending from Auckland to and including the Waikato, but it would take time ere the filtration to the out-districts could take place; " while a little further on, the following view is expressed : —" I have no doubt that the Province is capable of absorbing as great a number of labour immigrants as any other portion of the Colony of the same population." And finally, —" Of first-class agricultural labourers also, several hundreds would find immediate employment, as well as a steadily increasing number." Having regard to those discrepancies, the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke warns me not to be " misled into the idea that the Government desires any reduction to be made in the 3,500 immigrants ordered for the Province of Auckland for the current year." These discrepancies in the letter of the Superintendent of Auckland, which the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke confesses himself unable to understand, are equally inexplicable to myself; but as the Government have apparently indorsed the discrepancies by instructing me (in their Memorandum of 14th April) to send out, instead of SOO emigrants originally ordered in their Memorandum of 27th November, 1872 (No. 27), 3,500 emigrants to the Province of Auckland, I shall of course do my best to comply with this instruction. I have, &c, 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. 780.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A rictoria Street, Westminster, S.AV., Sir,— 11th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 15th March, 1873 (No. 26), enclosing copy of a letter from His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, with its enclosure, on the subject of a line of steamers to New Zealand via Cape of Good Hope. I trust that the efforts I have already made in this direction render it unnecessary for me to assure the Government of my hearty co-operation in promoting the establishment of the proposed line of steamers. I regret, however, to say that from the inquiries I have made, and from the communication I have held with parties most competent to give an opinion on the subject, and also most disposed to take up the project, the scheme appears far more difficult of accomplishment than it was two years ago. An attempt was recently made to float a company for the purpose of running a line of powerful steamers between Liverpool and Melbourne; but it has for the present utterly failed, and it is now argued that if steam communication cannot be made to pay with Victoria, still less will it pay with New Zealand. In this case, however, a very high rate of speed was to maintained, it being proposed that the voyage should be performed within forty-two days. During the last two years the price of iron has risen about 100 per cent., and artizans' wages at least 50 per cent., so that a steamer say of 3,000 tons, which, two years ago, would have been built for £80,000, would now cost probably £120,000 or £130,000. Then, again, coal has risen 50 per cent., and it seems very doubtful whether any material reduction can be expected either in the price of iron and fuel or in wages. The steamer " Great Britain," which has been running so many years between Melbourne and Liverpool, which has been a favourite vessel, and has generally had a full complement both of passengers and cargo, has (it is commonly asserted) not paid, but I believe her consumption of fuel is very great. A steamer of 3,000 tons would require to have at least 800 emigrants guaranteed for each voyage. The average number of saloon passengers by the " Great Britain " has been, I believe, about seventy. Messrs. Bright Brothers, when I was negotiating with them to send her to Otago, told me that they could not calculate upon more than half the number for New Zealand, and the calculation seemed based upon facts which there was no gainsaying. It would be extremely difficult for the Government to guarantee anything like the number of emigrants above stated ; for the emigrants (as I have often pointed out) require to be sent, not, as in the Australian Colonies, to one port, but to some five or six. You cannot keep a large number of emigrants in reserve : you must send them off as soon as they aro ready or you lose them altogether. The average voyage of the " Great Britain "to Melbourne has been about sixty-three days. It would scarcely be safe to calculate upon its being made in less than sixty-five days to New Zealand. The average voyage of some twenty of the emigrant ships despatched last year was ninety days. It may be questioned whether, by shortening the voyage by twenty-five days, you would in any material degree stimulate or increase emigration of the labouring class. In thus pointing out some of the difficulties which at present stand in the way of the proposed scheme, it is very far from my intention to throw cold water upon it ; but what I really wish to impress upon the Government is the necessity, in my opinion, of giving a moderate subsidy for the first few years. Three years ago Mr. Galbraith thought a subsidy of £50,000 a year would be necessary. Mr. E. B. Cargill appears, from the conversation I have had with him, to have arrived at the same conclusion as I have. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 26. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 781.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See,— 12th June, 1873. With reference to the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 12th April (No. 64,1873), requesting me, in case Mr- F. A. Krull's offer of the ship " Brechin Castle " for emigration purposes should be repeated in London, to give it my favourable consideration, I have simply to state that I shall be happy to accept the terms offered by the owners, namely, £14 10s. per adult, seeing that, under the absolute instructions given to me recently by the Government, I have been obliged to pay £17 per adult, instead of £13 which I had hitherto paid to Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 27. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 782.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 12th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 12th April (No. 70, 1873), relative to a Prussian settler named C. H. Knaup, and to assure you that every assistance in my power will be rendered by me to Mr. Knaup and his friends. I have, &c., I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 28. The Agent-Geneeal to tho Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 783.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir— 12th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 25th March (No. 53, 1873), instructing me to furnish quarterly a statement of account giving full particulars of emigration, and to state that these instructions will be complied with. I have, &c., I. E. Featherston, The Hon. Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 29. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 784.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A'ictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 13th June, 1873. Referring to Canterbury nomination No. 1751 (14th February, 1872), I have the honor to acquaint you that Sarah and Matilda Meaclem, nominated therein for free passages, have been found to be both under twelve years of age, and that in consequence thereof Robert Meaclem, under whose care they sailed in the " Punjaub," on the 30th ult., has signed a promissory note for the sum of £10 on account of his passages. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 30. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 785.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 13th June, 1873. Referring to Otago list No. 6, dated 6th February last, of cancelled nominations, I have the honor to report that the name of Donald Frazer (application No. 261) was inserted therein in error. This person did not decline to avail of his nomination, but has taken advantage of the same, and proceeds to Otago in the ship " Peter Denny," sailing this day from the Clyde. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 31. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (No. 786.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A^ictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See,— 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Lands and Immigration Memoranda No. 45, of 14th March, and No. 46, of 15th March, 1873, transmitting lists of nominated immigrants. I have, &c., I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-GeneraL

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No. 32. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 785.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to forward herewith, for the information of the Government, two tabular statements, viz.,— ■ I. Analysis of the Cost of Emigration to New Zealand for the period commencing Ist June, 1871, and ending 31st March, 1573. 11. Analysis of the Cost of Emigrant Ships from London to New Zealand from the 13th April, 1872, to the 21st March, 1873. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. A gent-General.

Enclosure in No. 32. New Zealand Emigration. Analysis of Cost for period from Ist June, 1871, to 31st Maech, 1873. 1. Contract Bate :— 565 Adults at £14 15s. ... Canterbury ships, 1871. 127} Adults—46} at £14, 81 at £13 135.,") wlr . ~ IQ/71 average, £13 15s. o}_. } AVellington ships, 1871. 26} Adults at £14 10s. ... Clyde ships, December, 1871, and February, 1872. 63} Adults at £13 13s. ... Canterbury ships, January, 1872. 91 Adults at £14 ss. ... Clyde Emigration, April, 1872. 409 Adults—llo at £14 and 359 at £10, 7 n . .. , QWO j>imo m c Gorman emigration, 1872. average, £10 18s. 9d. ) _ > 292} Adults at £12. ... Norwegian (direct) ship, 1872. 5,012 Adults at £13. ... Ships from London, 1872-73. 6,647 Total. 2. Average contract rate per adult, or total cost, £12 19s. 9}d. 3. Average cost per adult, deducting cash payments, or present cost, £11 ss. Id. 4. Average cost per adult, deducting cash payments and promissory notes and bills given by the emigrants, £S Bs. OJd. 5. Average cost per adult, deducting cash payments, promissory notes and bills given by emigrants, and promissory notes given by Messrs. Brogden, or final cost, £5 13s. 2Jd. 12th June, 1873. Analysis of Cost of Ships from London, from 13th April, 1872, to 21st March, 1873. 1. Contract rate per adult, Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., contractors, £13. 2. Average cost per adult, deducting cash payments, or present cost, £11 ss. _$•_, 3. Average cost per adult, deducting cash payments and promissory notes and bills given by emigrants, £8 16s. s|d. 4. Average cost per adult, deducting cash payments, promissory notes and bills given by emigrants, and promissory notes given by Messrs. Brogden, or final cost, £5 3s. 7-Jd. Number of adults, 5,012. 12th June, 1873.

No. 33. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 759.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 13th June, 1873. Referring to tho Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 12th April (No. 59, 1873), I have to express my gratification that the Government have at length taken legal proceedings to enforce the conditions of the contract in the case of the " Glenlora." AVith reference to the complaint that " The repeated remonstrances of Mr. Waterhouse and myself with regard to the inefficient inspection of ships and selection of emigrants, are not only not attended to, but seem not to be considered worthy of notice in your correspondence," I trust that you will find, from my letters despatched by previous mails, that not only is this charge entirely unfounded, but that I have carried out all your instructions in regard to emigration, although many of them were, in my opinion, extremely injudicious and ill-advised, and for giving effect to which I do not hold myself responsible. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington, N.Z. Agent-General. 2—D. 2e.

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No. 34. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 790.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A Tictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See,— 13th June, 1873. With reference to the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 12th April (No. 155,1873), you will already have seen, from my previous correspondence, that I had anticipated the wishes of the Government by declining to entertain the proposal submitted by Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co. for the conveyance of emigrants to New Zealand via Cape of Good Hope. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 35. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 791.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, A Tictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 13th June, 1573. Referring to the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 12th April (No. 60,1873), in which he refers to the " absolute necessity of appointing elderly females capable of maintaining order, and not inexperienced young girls, as matrons on board vessels carrying Government immigrants," I beg to state that I thoroughly agree in the opinion expressed by Mr. O'Rorke, and that his recommendation will in future be carried out. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 36. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 792.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's letter (No. 53, 1573,) of 25th March, directing mo to "furnish quarterly a statement of accounts, giving the name of the ship, the names of the immigrants, the amounts paid, whether in cash or bills, and the dates of payment in each case." I have, &c., I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 37. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 793.) 7, Westminster Chambers, A Tictoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See,— 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's letter (No. 51 1873,) of 25th March, informing me that the Government have decided to allow to the legal representatives of the late Dr. L'Estrange the sum of £10, being one-half the amount that gentleman would have been entitled to receive as surgeon of the ship " Glenlora " if he had lived until the termination of the Yoyago and performed his duties satisfactorily. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

-—^^—--_-—-_-_--__--—-------__--_______________~ No. 38. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 794.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster S W See,— 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 25th March (No. 52, 1873), enclosing copy of a letter from Carl Wackrow, a Scandinavian emigrant by the "Forfarshire." Inquiry shall be made into the statement as to the alleged over-payment to the agent at Copenhagen, and I will communicate the result to the Government by the next mail. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 39. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See,- - 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum (No. 57,1873,) of 9th April. In reply to the inquiry contained therein, I beg to state that the nominated application of which the particulars are given in the margin has been cancelled, tho passage applied for not having been taken up. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Marlborough. Nomination No. 11, in favour of John Wheadon and family.

No. 40. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 796.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sir,— 13th June, 1873. With reference to your recent telegram relating to the demand for coal miners in the Colony, I have, the honor to inform you that I have been in communication with a firm of Mining Agents in West Hartlepool, and I beg to annex an extract from a letter on this subject received this morning. I have little doubt that Messrs. Dickson's observations w Tith reference to the wages paid to this class of labourers, apply also to other districts besides that in which those gentlemen reside. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 40. Extract from Letter from Messrs. Wm. Dickson and Co., of AVest Hartlepool. 9th June, 1873. Referring to your separate favours of 28th ultimo, sth and 7th instant, we have to say that we are using the necessary exertions to procure for you such labourers and colliers as you require, and that at present wo have several men in hand whose applications shall be submitted for your approval in a few days hence. At present, County Durham colliers are extra well paid, owing to the advanced price of the mineral, and, without extra inducement, would not be willing to abandon a permanent occupation —the masters and men having arranged among themselves. I. E. Featherston, Esq., Westminster.

No. 41. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 797.) 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. Sir,— 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to transmit herewith the following list of cancelled nominations up to date, viz.:—Auckland, No. 8 ; Hawke's Bay, No. 9 ; AVellington, No. 7 ; Marlborough, No. 3 ; Canterbury, No. 9; Otago, No. 9. I have, &c, I. E.~ Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 42. Memorandum as to Ships' Books sent via Southampton, 11th June. (No. 798.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., London, 4th June 1873. The books sent by this mail relate to the understated' vessels, viz.: —" Columbus" for Canterbury ; " Mary Shepherd " for Canterbury ; " Berar " for Auckland; " Alahabad " for Otago. It has been found to be impossible to complete all the usual details in respect of the two latter vessels in time for the mail closing to-day. The books of these ships are forwarded without the customary index. The duplicates to be sent by next mail will be completed in all respects.) 2. The certified list of the " Allahabad " passengers referred to in Letter No. 330 is retained, as it is not yet signed by the dispatching officer. It will bo forwarded by next mail. A. 0. Ottywell.

No. 43. Extract from Telegram from the Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. J. Vogel. London, 17th July, 1873. •' Two thousand six hundred and fifty souls sailed May and June—prob%bly twelve hundred July. " Featheeston." By Authority : Gbobgb Didsbcby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB73. [Price 3d.]