IMMIGRATION, SPECIAL SETTLEMENTS, &c. (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, D-08

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION, SPECIAL SETTLEMENTS, &c. (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO.)

Presented to loth Houses of (he General Assembly hy command of Sis Excellency. TARANAKI. No. 1. The Hon. D. McLean to His Honor the Supeeintendent of Taeanaki. Sir,— New Plymouth, 17th February, 1873. Under section 34 of the Public Works and Immigration Act of 1870, I have the honor to request your Honor will kindly inform me generally whether it would be your wish to acquire for the Province of Taranaki any lands which may become available within the meaning of the said Act. I have, &c, Donald McLean. His Honor the Superintendent, Taranaki.

No. 2. His Honor F. A. Caeeington to the Hon. D. McLean. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, New Plymouth, 2Gth March, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 88, of 17th February, in which you request me to inform you generally whether it would be my wish to acquire for the Province of Taranaki any lands which may become available within the meaning of " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870." In reply, I beg leave to state that under Part IV., section 34 of the said Act it is stated that " the Governor may from time to time, in his name, and on behalf of Her Majesty, purchase or in anywise acquire any land in the North Island of New Zealand, or any interests therein which the owners thereof may be willing to sell, convey, or surrender, after he shall have been requested so to do by the Superintendent of the Province in which the land is," &c. If, therefore, you will be so obliging as to refer to my letter of the stb April, 1871, addressed to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, you will there see that a request is made by mo with desire to remove restrictions and acquire land for this Province as authorized under Part IV., section 34, of " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," and now again I beg to say that it is my wish to acquire for the Province of Taranaki land which may become available, without which we shall not bo able to participate fairly with other Provinces in the advantages derived from immigration and public works. I have, &c, Peed. A. Cabeington, The Hon. D. McLean, C.M.G., Native Minister. Superintendent.

Enclosure 1 in No. 2. The Hon. J. Hail to His Honor the Stjpeeintendent of Taeanaki. Sib, — . Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 24th January, 1871. I have to draw your Honor's attention to Part V. of " The Immigration and Public "Works Act, 1870," relating to immigration, and to request you to be good enough to furnish me with such information, under sections 39 and 41, as will enable steps to be taken for the introduction of such classes of immigrants, and in such numbers and sexes, as in your opinion the requirements of the Province would justify during the next twelve months. It is important, in furnishing this information, your Honor should state whether you desire that immigrants should be introduced upon the payment of the passage money in each case, or in part payment; whether you desire to afford facilities to persons now resident in the Province, to secure the I—D. 8.

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sending out of emigrants upon arrangements being made in the Province by such residents ; whether you desire that to those immigrants whose passage money may be wholly or partly paid, there should be given grants of land; whether you desire that arrangements should be made with associations or companies by which, in the course of the introduction by them of a large number of immigrants, land will be made available for the settlement of such immigrants, subject to such conditions as may be agreed upon for the expenditure of stipulated amounts of capital by the occupation and cultivation of such lands. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Taranaki. John Hall.

Enclosure 2 in No. 2. His Honor R A. Cabeington to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic,— Superintendent's Office, New Plymouth, sth April, 1871. 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular of the 24th January, 1871, (70-3571) in which you call my attention to Part V. of " The Immigration and -Public Works Act, 1870," relating to immigration, and you request me to furnish you with such information, under the 39th and 41st sections, as will enable steps to be taken for the introduction of such classes of immigrants, and in such numbers and sexes, as in my opinion the requirements of this Province would justify during the next twelve months, &c. In reply, I beg leave to observe that the restrictions which beset the dealing with the land of this Province, renders it impossible for Taranaki to derive the benefit which the Act confers on other Provinces where land can be dealt with; and unless the claim of the aborigines to the confiscated land be extinguished, and the outlawed and unsettled Maoris of this "West Coast be provided for by placing them on lands assigned for that particular purpose, there will be but little chance of our obtaining, for years to come, the benefits which would otherwise accrue from immigration to this Province. I therefore respectfully submit for the consideration of the Government the propriety of taking steps for purchasing at once, under the authority of Part IV. of " The Immigration and Public "Works Act, 1870," the claims of the aborigines to the confiscated lands in this Province ; and I would also at the same time submit for consideration the advisableness of placing in approved localities the now outlawed and unsettled Maori wanderers of Taranaki. I have, &c, Feed. A. Caeeington, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Superintendent.

WELLINGTON. No. 5. The Hon. G. M. O'Roeke to His Honor the Superintendent of "Wellington. Sic, — Immigration Office, "Wellington, 12th November, 1872. In reference to the conversation which took place to-day between your Honor and myself respecting the location of immigrants at Opaki, I now reduce to writing the terms of the arrangement we verbally came to, viz.:— 1. That of the 4,000 acres previously selected for the purpose of settlement, that portion which is found to be unsuitable, and marked on the tracing as " unsuitable," shall be surrendered to your Honor, and an equivalent quantity of land given by you in exchange. 2. That your Honor shall be credited with the expenditure you may have incurred in the survey of the block proposed to be surrendered. 3. That the land to be given in exchange shall be that indicated on the tracing as "land to be given in exchange." The block to be carried up towards the Tukaka range as far as may be considered suitable for the location of immigrants ; and the balance (if any) required to complete the 4,000 acres to be taken in equal proportions north and south of the section marked on the tracing as "land to be given in exchange." 4. That the whole of the 4,000 acres must be contiguous; and any land that may be required on either side of the land marked as "land to be given in exchange," must be of a quadrilateral form. 5. That, in order to the immediate location of the immigrants, the General Government will at once direct their Road Engineer, Mr. Munro, to open a road, two miles in length and half a chain wide, from the main road in the direction marked " proposed road line." The cost of the work to be borne by the Provincial Government, in pursuance of your agreement to expend half the purchase money of the block in opening roads through it. 6. That, upon the road being cleared, your Honor will have allotments of 40 acres-each—lo chains by 40 —laid off on each side of this road, for immigrants. The number of families that are now ready to be placed on this block is 31 (115 souls), and the present intention of the Government is, on the arrival of other immigrants, to increase the settlement by locating immigrants along proposed roads marked in the direction of what is known as the "saddle" on the main road on the other; but I shall be glad to confer with your Honor before taking any steps with regard to future arrivals. It may be desirable to establish other settlements along the main road, in preference to strengthening the Opaki settlement.

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I have to thank your Honor for the prompt and liberal spirit with which you have acceded to my proposals with regard to this matter, which is of such great importance to a large body of immigrants now seven months in the Colony without being located. I have, &c., His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. G. M. O'Eoeke.

No. 6. His Honor W. Fitzheebeet to the Hon. G. M. O'Eoeke. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 13th November, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, relative to the proposed exchange of 4,000 acres at Opaki, and to express the concurrence of the Provincial Government in the terms there expressed. Upon being informed that Mr. Munro has opened a road two miles in length and half a chain wide in the direction indicated in your letter, I will immediately instruct the Chief Surveyor of the Province to'direct a survey to be made, dividing so much of the block as may have been so opened by a road into 40-acre sections so nearly in accordance with paragraph 6 of your letter as the nature of the ground will permit. Inasmuch as the sections are to front on the main road lines, which will necessarily be tortuous, it will not be practicable, whilst preserving an equal breadth of sections along the back lines—and this is very desirable, so as to give uniformity to the survey —that the sections shall be exactly 40 acres each ; they will probably vary in dimensions between 37 and 43 acres. I would take occasion to observe that, owing to the difficulty in immediately selecting suitable branch road lines to give access to lands beyond the boundaries of the block, the Chief Surveyor also recommends that the usual percentage for roads should be given to each section, and that I request your concurrence in this proposal. I have, &c, William Fitzheebebt, The Hon. G, Maurice O'Rorke, Minister for Immigration. Superintendent.

No. 7. The Hon. G. M. Wateehotise to His Honor the Supeeintendent of Wellington. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, 25th November, 1872. Referring to the Scandinavian settlement near Opaki, I have the honor to inform you that a number of families of Scandinavians are expected to arrive about January next, and that it is the intention of the Government to locate in this settlement such of them as may be unable to find ready employment with private employers. I have to request that, with a view of facilitating the location, the subdivision of the block in question may be proceeded with without delay. Mr. Munro, the engineer in charge of the works in the Opaki District, has been instructed to employ a part of the immigrants in clearing half a chain wide on the first two miles of the principal road line through the settlement, which is also to be made passable by the erection of rough bridges, and making side cuttings where necessary. Under arrangements made by the General Government, certain monthly deductions have to be made from the pay of the immigrants employed on this work. It is desirable that these deductions should be continued while the immigrants may be engaged on those works which are to be paid for by the Province up to the amount of £1,500. I trust your Honor will not object to these deductions being made while Mr. Munro, to whom instructions have been sent, shall be acting as paymaster, and that any Provincial officer who may hereafter be in charge of the work may be instructed to act with the General Government in this behalf. I may mention, in anticipation of the instructions to be given relative to the survey of the block, that it is intended to make a sufficient reserve for a village at the point where the principal road of the settlement shall be intersected by the cross roads. I have, &c, G. M. Wateehotjse, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. (for the Colonial Secretary).

No. 8. His Honor W. Fitzheebeet to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic,— . Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 27th November, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th instant, informing me that it is the intention of the Government to locate a portion of the Scandinavians, expected to arrive in January next, on the block of land near Opaki, and requesting that the subdivision of the block may be proceeded with without delay. In reply, I beg to state that Mr. Carkeek has been instructed to proceed forthwith with the subdivision of the block into sections ; and in answer to the second paragraph of your letter, I write to say that I see no objection to the deductions from the pay of immigrants being continued while Mr. Munro shall bo acting as paymaster, and any Provincial officer who may hereafter be in charge of the work shall be instructed to act with the General Government on this behalf. I have, &c, William Fitzheebebt, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

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No. 9. The Hon. G. M. Wateehotjse to His Honor the Supeeintendent of Wellington. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 2oth January, 1873. According to the promise I made to your Honor in our interview of yesterday, I have carefully gone through all the papers in the possession of the Government bearing upon the location of the Scandinavian immigrants upon lands in the neighbourhood of Palmerston. I find that the impression which I informed your Honor existed in my mind as to the non-liability of Government for the purchase of the lands on which these immigrants are located, is perfectly correct. Without going into particulars I need only quote the following extract from your Honor's letter of the 4th July, 1871: —" With reference to the Scandinavian immigrants settled at Manawatu, they are located on land reserved for their use in sections varying from 40 to 20 acres, and it is the intention of my Government to bring their holdings under ' The Land on Deferred Payments Act, 1871,' so soon as that measure shall have received the sanction of the General Assembly." It is true that in May, 1872, your Honor appears to have preferred a verbal request that, in place of bringing the land under the operation of that Act, the Government would purchase it; but I find that the then existing Government, as represented by Mr. Gisborne, adhered to their view as to the desirableness of the matter being settled as originally contemplated, adding, however, that " if your Honor should entertain a decided objection to this course, the Government, while unable to agree to purchase the blocks as suggested for cash payments, will be willing to take the land at the upset price of £1 per acre under the conditions set forth in sections Gl and C 3 of ' The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1871.'" I need scarcely inform your Honor that the sole authority under which the Government can acquire lands for the purpose of settlement is derived from the Immigration and Public Works Act; and that that Act, in clauses 61 and G2, not only provides for the acquisition of such lands, but in clause 64 further renders it imperative that the amount to be paid for the purchase thereof shall, in cases similar to that of the Province of Wellington, be applied to the reduction of existing liabilities. I have, &c, G. M Wateehouse, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. (for the Colonial Secretary.)

No. 10. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet to His Honor the Supeeintendent of Wellington. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 3rd February, 1873. Serious legal difficulties having presented themselves to the advance from the Colonial Treasury of the sums expended in forming by-roads through the Scandinavian settlement near Opaki, the cost of which up to £1,500 is, under arrangement with your Honor, to be defrayed by your Government, I have the honor to request that you will be pleased to direct the payment on this behalf of approved vouchers forwarded through this office. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. John Hall,

No. 11. His Honor the Supebintendent of Wellington to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sib,— Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 28th February, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ult., relative to the payment for the land on which the Scandinavian immigrants are located at Palmerston, and I shall be obliged if you will cause me to be furnished with a statement of the amounts received from the Scandinavians as deposits upon the purchase of their lands, with the names in full of the persons paying such moneys. Within a few days I will forward a proposal for placing the land under " The Wellington Special Settlement Act, 1871," and requesting you to obtain an order of the Governor in Council giving efl'ect to such proposition. I have, &c., William Fitziieebeet, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 12. His Honor the Superintendent of "Wellington to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 18th February, 1873. In reply to your letter of the 3rd iust., relative to "serious legal difficulties have presented themselves to the advance from the Colonial Treasury of the sums expended in forming by-roads through the Scandinavian settlement near Opaki," I beg to refer you to my letter of the 17th July last, the second paragraph of which letter clearly sets forth what the Provincial Government undertook to do with regard to road-making, and the manner in which it should be done. I have, &c, William Fitzhebbeet. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

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No. 13. His Honor the Superintendent of Wellington to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 20th February, 1873. Referring to the purchase of the 4,000 acres of land for a Scandinavian settlement in the Seventy-Mile Bush, I have the honor to request that you will inform me in whose name the application is to be registered in the Land Office. I have, &c, William Fitziierbert, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 14. The Hon. J. Bategate to His Honor the Superintendent of Wellington. Sir,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 13th March, 1873. In reference to your Honor's letters of the 20th ultimo, requesting to bo informed in whoso name the application is to be registered in the Land Office for the purchase of 4,000 acres of land for a Scandinavian settlement in the Seventy-Mile Bush, the Government are advised that the land being Crown laud no conveyance is required, and therefore no application to the Land Office. The proclamations and regulations required by " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1871," are all that will be necessary in the matter, and these are in course of preparation. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. John Bathoate.

No. 15. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to His Honor the Superintendent of Wellington. Sir,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 25th March, 1873. Referring to your Honor's letter of the 18th ult., I have the honor to transmit vouchers for the sum of £409 17s. Id., being the cost of the formation of side roads, &c, through the settlement of Mauriceville, which your Honor agreed, in your letter of the 17th July last, should be defrayed by the Provincial Government of Wellington. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. William H. Reynolds.

No. 16. His Honor the Superintendent of Wellington to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir,— Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 26th March, 1873. Referring to your letter of the 25th instant, covering vouchers for the sum of £409 17s. Id., cost of formation of side roads through the settlement of Mauriceville, in reply, I beg to state that such amount will be paid, and I enclose you a statement showing the amounts paid previously, leaving a balance of only £217 ss. lid. out of the £1,500 promised by the Provincial Government. I have, &c, William Fitziierbert, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent. Amounts Paid and Amount of Contracts entered into on Account of Roads at Mauriceville. Survey of 4,000-acre block, originally selected in the Forty-Mile Bush £133 14 G Expended on roads ... ... ... ... ... ... 179 2 G Contracts entered into to the extent 0f... ... ... ... 560 0 0 Expended under General Government ... ... ... ... 409 17 1 £1,282 14 1 Provincial Treasury, Chas. Powles, Wellington, 26th March, 1873. Assistant Provincial Treasurer.

No. 17. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to His Honor the Superintendent of Wellington. Sir,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 23rd April, 1873. I have the honor to forward copy of a voucher for £119 2s. 5d., paid in error by Mr. Munro on behalf of the Public Works Department instead of on behalf of the Provincial Government, and shall be obliged by your Honor giving directions to hare the amount refunded. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington, William H. Reynolds.

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No. 18. His Honor the Supeeintendent of Wellington to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic,— Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 10th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd. April, forwarding a voucher for £119 2s. 5d., for which I now enclose a cheque. I also refer to my letter of 26th March last, in which I attached a statement showing that up to that date there had been expended and contracted for, out of the £1,500 to be expended by the Provincial Government in and about Mauriceville, the sum of £1,282 14s. Id.; since that time £16 10s. has been paid, and the present payment of £119 2s. sd. will leave only a balance of £81 13s. 6d. I have, &c, William Fitzheebeet, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 19. The Hon. G. M. O'Eoeke to His Honor the Superintendent of Wellington. Sib, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 9th May, 1873. With reference to the purchase from the Province of Wellington of 4,000 acres of land at Opaki, for the purpose of locating immigrants, Government is advised that instead of the ordinary conveyance between vendor and purchaser, it would simplify matters if the General Government were formally to proclaim the land as taken for settlement of immigrants under the 61st section of " The Public Works and Immigration Act, 1871." This course will, independently of disposing of other legal points likely to be raised, enable Crown grants to issue direct to the purchasers, instead of sub-convey-ances having to be executed to them. I feel assured your Honor will not object to the proceeding (which is merely a matter of form), and which is intended in no way to interfere with the arrangement entered into and to a great extent already carried out for the purchase of the land, and the expenditure of half the money so paid in plotting and making roads throughout the block. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. G. M. O'Eoeke.

No. 20. His Honor the Supebintendent of Wellington to the Hon. the Ministeb for Immigbation. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 12th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, relative to the purchase from this Province of 4,000 acres of land at Opaki, for the purpose of locating immigrants. In reply, I bog to inform you that the Provincial Government have no objections to your proposal to proclaim the land as taken for settlement of immigrants under the 61st section of " The Public Works and Immigration Act, 1871." I have, &c, William Fitziieebebt, The Hon. G. M. O'Eorke, Minister for Immigration. Superintendent.

No. 21. The Hon. D. McLean to His Honor the Supebintendent of Wellington. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 14th May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, enclosing a cheque for the sum of £119 2s. 6d., being the amount paid in error by Mr. Munro on behalf of the Public Works Department, instead of on behalf of the Provincial Government of Wellington. I have, &c, Donald McLean, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. (in the absence of Colonial Secretary).

No. 22. Mr. C. E. Haughton to the Commissioner of Ceown Lands, Wellington. Will you oblige me with the description (per Gazette) of the 4,000 acres at Opaki, purchased by the General Government. 13th May, 1873. Chas. E. Hatjghton.

No. 23. Mr. Holmes to Mr. Haughton. Sib,— Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 14th May, 1873. Eeferring to your Memorandum of the 13th instant, requesting to be furnished with descriptions of 4,000 acres at Opaki, purchased by the General Government, I have the honor to inform you

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that the Chief Surveyor has reported that, owing to the particular shape these 4,000 acres have now been chosen, he cannot afford a description until the block of sections have been sectioned; he will, however, write to the District Surveyor to furnish the information at the earliest possible period. I have, &c, "Wm. Holmes, C. E. Haughton, Esq., "Wellington. (for Commissioner of Crown Lands).

No. 24. Ec /Scandinavian and Road Labourers' Settlement at Pahnerston, Manawatu. Memorandum for the Hon. Mr. O'Eorke. Tiie latest correspondence relative to this subject appears to be a letter from the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, of date 25th January, 1873 (P."W. 72-3450). This letter appears to have been accepted by His Honor as finally deciding the question at issue, for His Honor subsequently applied for the payment to the Provincial Treasury of all moneys deposited by Scandinavian immigrants or road labourers in the Colonial Treasury, in part payment for the lands occupied by them. A Provincial Government Gazette, of date 14th March, 1873, was also issued, containing a proclamation by His Honor that these lands were set aside under " The "Wellington Land on Deferred Payments Act, 1871," and copies of the circular herewith were sent to all the Scandinavian immigrants. Thus the whole matter was practically removed out of the hands of the Colonial Government and undertaken by the Provincial authorities. But as the question was somewhat involved, I was instructed, by Memo, of His Honor Mr. O'Eorke, of date 24th March, 1873, to visit Palmerston, and assist in putting the whole thing into proper form. Accordingly I visited Palmerston twice in the month of April last, to receive the applications required under the Land on Deferred Payments Act, and have placed them all in the hands of the Crown Lands Commissioner, with a clear memorandum as to the exact position of the whole matter. My report, which will be sent in immediately, closes the transaction as far as any action by the Colonial Government is concerned. A. FoLLETT HaLCOMBE, "Wellington, 17th March, 1873. Immigration Officer.

OTAGO. No. 25. Mr. W. H. Clayton to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sib,— Colonial Architect's Office, 29th November, 1872. "When Mr. Reeves held office I suggested to him, with reference to the Stewart's Island Barracks, that a hulk would be more economical than erecting buildings, as it could be moored close in shore, with stages to land by. Mr. Eeeves instructed me to make inquiry as to the cost at which a hulk could be purchased, and I have ascertained that a suitable three-decked vessel, the " Chelsea," can be bought in Sydney, put in order, and delivered in any port in Now Zealand at from £1,300 to £1,400. The vessel is described as sound, and would last any time in harbour. One important feature in the case is, that when no longer required for the purposes of Immigration, the hulk would be nearly worth the money as a coal hulk. I have, &c, W. H. Clayton, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Colonial Architect. N.B.—Mr. Beck, who obtained the information, is about returning to Sydney, and would like an answer as soon as possible.—"W. H. C.

No. 26. His Honor J. Macandrew to the Hon. G. M. "Waterhouse. Dear Sir,— Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 7th December. 1872. Mr. Ktzherbert, while acting as Immigration Minister, requested me to make arrangements for the erection of immigration barracks at Stewart's Island. A proposal was previously submitted to me, by which it was intended to expend some £1,000 to £1,500 on this object. To this I objected, stating that £250 would be nearer the mark. Subsequently, however, I found that it would be necessary to provide residence for the keeper and his family, which I thought could be done for £250 additional. I was authorized to get building erected accordingly. Suitable plans and specifications have been prepared, and tenders received. In consequence, however, of the very great increase which has taken place in all contracts within the last two months, the lowest tender is £600, and I very much fear that if the matter in delayed the price will be still higher. I shall, therefore, be glad to be advised as to how I should act in the matter. I may state that many of the tenders for Provincial works which we have been lately compelled to accept are as much

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as 50 per cent, beyond the Engineer's estimate, all owing to the immense quantity of work going on throughout the Province. But for this rise in price, the barracks in question could have been erected considerably under the £500. Excuse my addressing you thus semi-officially in the absence of Mr. O'Eorke, for whom I understand you are actiug. If the work is to proceed at £600 please send telegram. I have, &c, , The Hon. G-. M. Waterhouse. J. Macandeew.

No. 27. His Honor the Supeeintendent of Otago to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 26th December, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 13th December (No. 344, 1872), informing me that an expenditure of £600 on the immigration barracks at Stewart's Island has been authorized. A contract has been accepted, and the work is going on. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. ' Superintendent.

MAELBOEOTTGH. No. 28. Mr. J. Baeleyman to Mr. C. E. Haugiiton. Sin, — Immigration Office, Blenheim, 7th March, 1873. I have the honor to bring under your notice the desirability of placing the immigration barracks at Picton in the charge of a.barrack-master. They have not yet been handed over to me by Messrs. Brogden and Sons, but I have applied to the Picton agent of the firm, and I understand this is to be done shortly. As I am unacquainted with the intended operations in connection with immigration to this Province, I am unable to suggest any arrangement for the appointment and remuneration of a barrackmaster. I have therefore the honor to request you will inform me what pay and upon what conditions it would be given for the duties of barrack-master. I have, &c. The Under Secretary . J. Baeletman. Lands and Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 29. The Hon. J. Batiigate to His Honor the Superintendent of MARLBOEoroH. Sin,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 12th March, 1873. The desirability of placing the immigration barracks at Picton in the charge of some person to look after and prevent people destroying the building when it is handed over by Messrs. Brogden and Sons, having been brought under the notice of the Government, I have the honor to request you to be good enough to state whether your Honor will be willing to allow a member of the Marlborough Police to be appointed at a nominal salary to do this. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent of Marlborough. John Bathqate.

No. 30. Mr. W. H. Etes to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sib,— Superintendent's Office, Blenheim, 22nd March, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 81 (12th March, 1873), requesting me to allow a member of the Marlborough Police force, to be appointed, at a nominal salary, to look after and prevent people destroying the immigration barracks at Picton, and to inform you that I have caused instructions to bo given to Sergeant Michael Scanlan, who is stationed at Picton, to hold himself in readiness to perform this duty when requested by you to do so. I have, &c. W. H. Eyes, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. (for the Superintendent).

No. 31. The Hon. W. Fox to His Honor the Superintendent of Maelborougii. Sin,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 29th March, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd instant, and to thank

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your Honor for having placed the services of Sergeant Michael Scanlan at the disposal of the Government to look after and prevent people destroying the immigration barracks at Picton. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Marlborough. William Fox.

CANTERBURY. No. 32. Memoeandum for the Hon. the Ministeb for Immigbation. Will the Hon. the Minister for Immigration kindly inform me, for the information of the Provincial Council of Canterbury, which is about to meet, of the number of immigrants which may be expected in Canterbury during the ensuing year —that is, before harvest, 1874. It would be convenient if the time when ordered were stated, and the different proportions of the several classes of immigrants. I do not understand whether the number of 2,812 stated to be sent for includes those nominated by their friends and those ordered for Timaru. W. KOLLESTON, 21st April, 1873. Superintendent of Canterbury.

No. 33. Memoeajtoum for His Honor the Stjpebinteitdent of Cantebbtjey. Yors Memorandum of April 21st has been duly received, and I forward for your information all extracts from communication to the Agent-General bearing upon the question of emigration to the Province of Canterbury. Under date November 27th, 1872, the Agent-General was instructed to forward, for arrival during the year 1873, 2,250 emigrants to the Province of Canterbury. In February, 1873, the Agent-General was instructed to increase the number allotted to the several Provinces by 25 per cent., thus bringing Canterbury up to 2,812, including the 300 for Timaru, which he was requested to send. In April, 1873, the Agent-General's attention was again called to the number required to be forwarded to the several Provinces. Early in December last a circular was addressed by the Colonial Secretary to the various Superintendents, requesting them to express their views on the number of immigrants which it might be desirable to introduce during the current year. Copies of the replies to this circular we forwarded to the Agent-General. Amongst these was a letter from your Honor, transmitting resolution of the Provincial Council. This resolution pointed out that the number of single women introduced into the Province of Canterbury had been entirely inadequate. The Agent-General has, in a recent Memorandum, been instructed to offer as liberal terms to emigrants as the Queensland Government now does {i.e., free passages, &c), but has been informed that the grant of free passages should carry with it a very stringent supervision of the emigrants with regard to capability for work, health, and character. In ordering the number to be forwarded, the different classes have not been defined, but the general regulations, re assisted emigration, state that passages are given to agricultural labourers, navvies, shepherds, country mechanics, and female domestic servants. Immigration Office, Wellington, 22nd April, 1873. G. Maurice O'Bobke. Note. —The above 2,812 emigrants ordered are exclusive of nominated emigration and those sent out by Messrs. Brogden.

No. 34. The Deputy Supebintendent of Cantebbtjby to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaby. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Christchurch, 3rd September, 1872. The Provincial Government of Canterbury are desirous of obtaining from England four trained teachers, viz., two masters and two mistresses, and are willing to pay for their passages, or for such portion as the Agent-General will consider it right to charge. A communication has been addressed to Mr. Ottywell, containing the conditions of engagement, and he has been requested to lay it before the Agent-General. I have the honor to request that you will desire the Agent-General to act in the matter on behalf of the Province. The Provincial Government, feeling it is important to obtain as competent persons as possible, have requested Lord Lyttelton to co-operate with the Agent-General in their selection. I have suggested to Mr. Ottywell that the services of these teachers might be made available during the voyage, and that such services might be deemed as an equivalent to their passage money. Trusting that you will be able to advise the Agent-General with reference to this by this outgoing mail, I have, &c, K. S. Habman, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Deputy Superintendent. 2—D. 8.

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No. 35. The Hon. G. M. "Wateeuoube to His Honor the Superintendent of Cantebbttby. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, "Wellington, 10th February, 1873. Eeferring to the Deputy Superintendent's letter of the 3rd of September last, I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a letter from the Agent-General, informing me that Lord Lyttelton had undertaken to select (if possible) the trained schoolmasters and schoolmistresses required by the Provincial Government of Canterbury, and that arrangements had been made for utilizing their services on the voyage as suggested. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury. G. M. Watebuouse.

Enclosure in No. 35. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial. Seceetaet. (No. 591.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, AVestminster, S.W., Sib,— 12th December, 1872. In further reference to your letter No. 106, dated 28th September, I have the honor to state that, in compliance with the request of the Deputy Superintendent of Canterbury, Lord Lyttelton has undertaken to select (if possible) the trained masters and mistresses of the Canterbury schools ; and I have arranged to employ the masters as schoolmasters to the emigrants' families, and the mistresses as matrons to the single women, in the vessels in which they proceed. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 36. His Honor the Superintendent of Canteebuet to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sib,— Superintendent's Office, Christehurch, 21st February, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 38, of the 10th February, 1873, transmitting copy of a letter from the Agent-General with reference to the schoolmasters and mistresses required by the Provincial Government, and to thank you for the same. I have, &c, W. EOLLESTON, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Superintendent. By Authority: Geokge Didsbvxy, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB73. Price 9d.]

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