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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1875 Session I, D-01

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1875. NEW ZEALAND.

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

Presented to loth Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Hon. Julius Vogel to the Agent-General. (No. 260.) Sir, — Immigration.Office, Wellington, Bth September, 1874. I have the honor, earnestly and urgently, to direct your attention to the manner in which, as it seems to me, you have failed to understand " The Immigrants Land Act, 1873." 2. The provision of that Act by which you were to approve of immigrants intending to claim under the Act, was not meant as an idle or formal one. 3. It was meant that you should bear in mind at least two leading principles—(l.) That land was to be given as a real inducement to those who otherwise might not be disposed to emigrate to New Zealand. (2.) That land was to be given only to those whom you considered suitable emigrants, and who were likely to become permanent settlers. 4. I attach a schedule of applications for land that have been received here, from which it seems that any one about to sail for the colony, and whose passage had been paid, has had only to send you a letter asking for a recommendation, in order to induce you to give it; that you have not, generally, thought the granting of a certificate necessary; but that you have given certificates in cases so anomalous, that lamat a loss to understand how you could have given them. For example, Mr. Passmore was coming out under an engagement to act as an engineer in the Public Works service ; but, according to his statement, he was told in your office, and it was confirmed by you, that it was right he should receive a certificate under the Act entitling him to a grant of land. lam glad to say that he voluntarily abandoned the certificate on its being pointed out to him how foreign it was to the intention of the Act that he should receive land. Some persons, who were very suitable for the receipt of certificates, left England without them, being unaware that they were required, and believing that they would obtain land on their arrival. 5. I have earnestly to ask that you will consider the Immigrants Land Act as a measure of very great importance, and that it is desirable that you should consult its spirit and intention as well as its letter. As I have pointed out, you have failed to appreciate either; but I do not doubt that further consideration will induce you to give the measure most careful attention in future. 0. I wish to impress upon you that the nature of the Act seems to be very much misunderstood. I think you should endeavour to remove the misapprehension which prevails, by letting it be known that your certificate is required, that you will not give it without consideration, that you will not give it unless in very rare cases to persons who have already paid their passages, that the grants are intended only for suitable persons or families, and that conditions are attached to the grant of the land. I think that you, or some responsible person appointed by you, should carefully consider every application, and personally see the applicant. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure in No. 1. Precis of Applications for Land under " Immigrants Land Act, 1873." E. 13rowne, passenger by " Wennington," paid his passage at Agent-General's office, sth January, 1874 ; was never told Agent-General's certificate necessary. Saw in a paper that land was given to emigrants paying their passages. There are other exactly similar cases. A number of immigrants by " Mairi Bahn," which arrived on July 25th, 1874, state that they paid their passages on the faith of getting land. Agent told them land would be ready for occupation on their arrival. I—D. 1.

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Three men, passengers by the " St. Lawrence "to Wellington, called upon me. One produced the Agent-General's certificate; tho others assert that they were not aware this was necessary until too late to call for it. These are .able-bodied respectable men of the agricultural-labourer class. . Marmaduke Black.—The Agent-General writes that this person applied for the certificate, but was unable to appear at the office ; he recommends his application, if made in the colony, bo favourably entertained. The Agent-General forwards, with favourable recommendations, letters applying to take advantage of the Act, by the following persons : — General Bell, Junior United Service Club, on behalf of Mrs. Armstrong, a widow, who has two sons settled in the colony. B. G. Boberts, 78, James Street, Rugby, on behalf of his brother, passenger by the ship "Hereford" (April, 1874). A. Kennedy, Midland Grand Hotel. Was to sail for Auckland ; states that Mr. Buller promised to send the certificate after him. It. H. Hawkins, Health Villa, .South Norwood. States he paid £83 for a passage to Auckland, via. New York and San Francisco; speaks of his intention to settle in New Zealand. Baxter Bruce, cabin passenger per " Countess of Kintore," April, 1874. Asks for hand order, although no immediate use for the land. Joseph Martin, on behalf of W. Noakes, agriculturist, who sailed in "Agnes Muir," in October, 1873. Agent-General forwards, for consideration of the Government, application by Mr. Hope Smith, on behalf of his son, a settler often years' standing in Otago. Agent-General forwards further correspondence re application by Mr. U'Ben, which matter has been finally dealt with by Government declining to entertain the application. A few immigrants are now turning up having the necessary certificates ; their applications are received and duly registered. The Agent-General, however, has granted certificates to persons manifestly not intended by the Act — e.g., Mr. Passmore and another gentleman who called upon me here, who is father-in-law of the new head-master of the College.

No. 2. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 10th September, 1874. Immigration Instructions.—Despatch to Auckland 500 emigrants in October, and 500 each of following five months. Taranaki—After existing order executed, despatch ship with 250 every two months, emigrants either nominated or selected and approved by Burton. Wellington—Despatch :!0() October and each of following five months. Canterbury—Despatch 700 October, same November, 350 December, same January, 250 February. Otago—Despatch 1,200 October, same November, same December ; none after, except-nominated or specially selected. As far as practicable let Adam approve all Otago emigrants. Napier—Besides previous orders despatch ship November and December with about 300 each. Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland—Execute order already sent. All provinces anxious selection and approval should be most careful. Proportion of children small; numbers include nominated, but exclude Scandinavians. Otago and Canterbury, include Bluff and Timaru, to which attend in accordance with instructions ; avoid in all cases crowding two months into one. You fail to understand Immigrants Land Act —not intended to give land unnecessarily, but to those who otherwise would be unlikely to come, and to those who intend to settle. Am visiting England to confer with you ; expect arrive early January. Make no permanent appointments in office meanwhile. Major Atkinson appointed Minister Immigration. Featherston, London. Julius Vogel.

No. 3. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 261.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 10th September, 1874. I have the honor to forward herewith copy of a telegram from His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury relative to the very small number of nominated immigrants who arrive in the colony in proportion to the number nominated. I have, <fee, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 3. His Honor the Superintendent, Canterbury, to the Hon. J. Vogel. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 4th July, 1874.SuRPiasiNGLT few nominated immigrants to hand. I fear there is difficulty in providing them with means to go to port of embarkation. Par better pay for this than for placing here. We are sadly pressed just now. I hope to make arrangements with meat-preserving companies, who are just closing, to give me some accommodation. W. E.OLLESTON, The Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. Superintendent.

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No. 4. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the A gent-General. (No. 265.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 11th September, 1874. I have the honor to call your attention to the great inconvenience and probable loss to the Government caused by the want of specific information from your department relative to the four ships chartered by yourself for the conveyance of emigrants, viz. the "Tweed," " Carisbraok Castle," "Corona," and " Strathnaver." The only papers received by this department have been copies of the charter-parties and of the letters of instructions to the masters. You must bo aware that it is essentially necessary for the proper transaction of the business in connection with these vessels that copies of the manifests and of the instructions to the consignees should have been forwarded ; also list of stores and medical comforts. I fail altogether to understand why the department has been left in such a position as not to be able to check in anyway the returns of the consignees, or the expenditure of the stores during the passage. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 5. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 266.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 11th September, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1303, of 29th June, 1874, in which you acknowledge the receipt of copy of correspondence between the Superintendent of Westland and this department, relative to the want of female domestic labour in that province, and stating that every effort will be made to engage a number of respectable servants. In the second paragraph of your letter you state that, having completed the number of emigrants ordered for Otago and Canterbury, you are precluded from engaging any more female servants for either of those provinces. Upon this subject I may inform you that immediately upon the receipt of your telegram, dated 2nd of June, in which you informed him that the orders of the provinces named would be completed by July, the Hon. Mr. Vogel placed himself in communication with the Superintendents, and in accordance with their recommendations telegraphed to you, under date 7th July, to send 500 a month to each province during the months of August and September. I trust that this telegram reached you in time to despatch the number required in August. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. 11. A. Atkinson.

No. 0. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 267.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 11th September, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1426, of 10th July, 1874, in which you detail the arrangements in your department for the conduct of nominated emigration, which appear to be satisfactory. I observed with regret that, at the date of your letter, you were contemplating sending emigrants nominated for Canterbury and Otago by way of Wellington; but I trust that before the sailing of the " Star of India" you had received my telegram authorizing you to renew emigration upon a limited scale to the former provinces. I have, &c, The Agent-Genera,! for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 7. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 269.) Sir,— Immigration Office, Wellington, 11th September, 1874. I have the honor to inform you that the Government have appointed Mr. Walter Kennaway, of Christchurch, to be Secretary of your department, at a salary of £800 a year, and have agreed to allow him half salary from the date of his leaving New Zealand until he reports himself to you upon his arrival in London, when his full salary will commence. The appointment is for three years, and if Mr. Kennaway leaves the department at the completion of that period, or if from any cause other than misconduct he leaves it before the end of three years, he is to receive £250 for the expenses of his return to New Zealand, but his salary is to terminate with his connection with the department. Should he remain more than three years ho is not to be entitled to receive any amount as expenses. Mr. Kennaway will most probably reach England in January about the same time as the Hon. Mr. Vogel, who will then arrange with you as to his (Mr. Kennaway's) position in the department, and the specific duties of his office. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A, Atkinson.

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No. 8. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) 21st September, 1574. ' Strathnater," " Carisbrook," " Oxford," " Parsee," " Canterbury," " Tweed." Ormond complains no shipment August. Despatch ship October to supply deficiency; also shipment Scandinavians arrive December. Heavy engines Canterbury much wanted. Featherston, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 9. The Hon. E. Richardson to the Agent-General. (No. 275.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 25th September, 1874. I have the honor to transmit copy of a telegram* which was despatched to you via the Bluff upon the 10th instant, respecting the number of emigrants required to be despatched to the colony during the six months beginning October and ending March, and also copy of the correspondence with the Superintendents of the various provinces upon which this order was based. The Superintendents have been made acquainted with the terms of this telegram, and requested to state what number of the 6,000 or 7,000 Scandinavian emigrants to be despatched during the next two years they recommend to be sent to their respective provinces. Upon receipt of their replies you will be duly advised upon the subject. I have, &c, Edward Richardson, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. (in absence of Minister for Immigration).

Enclosure 1 in No. 9. Circular to Superintendents. (Telegram.) . Wellington, 4th September, 1874. The Government are desirous of sending instructions to the Agent-General concerning the number of emigrants he is to continue to send. You are aware of the existing conditions in respect to your province: see Agent-General's letter of 2nd June, 1874, and my telegrams of 6th July and 27th July, published in Parliamentary papers. I will be obliged by your Honor informing me if you think any additional instructions should be sent concerning your province, and, if so, what their nature. In case you wish fresh orders, it would be well to state how many emigrants each month, or each two months, during the six months beginning October and ending March, you wish despatched from Great Britain to your province : such number to include nominated emigrants. An early reply is desirable. His Honor the Superintendent. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure 2 in No. 9. Correspondence between His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland, and the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (Telegram.) Auckland, 7th September, 1874. Re your telegram of 3rd instant, I still adhere to the views expressed in my letter of 26th May last, to which I refer you. I observe from Parliamentary returns of last Session —D. No. 7—that the disproportion between the number of immigrants forwarded to this part of the colony as compared with other places is greatly to the disadvantage of Auckland. All previous shipments have been readily absorbed up to the present time, and I see no reason whatever for anticipating that this will not continue to be the case for a considerable time to come. Every exertion is being successfully used to distribute the immigrants throughout the country settlements, and discourage their residence in or about towns. I request that shipments of immigrants to this province may proceed at their present rate, at least until I can report that the power of absorption is exhausted, or the present disparity in numbers as between Auckland and other portions of the colony shall have been reduced: the number to include nominated immigrants. Our Provincial Government will devote special attention to the nominated system, believing it to be the most satisfactory in results, and that the number of nominations, according as the satisfactory settlement and employment of immigrants now in course of arrival takes place, is likely to show a large increase. I desire also to repeat my suggestion that special care should be taken by the Agent-General's Department, in selecting emigrants for this province, to procure as large a number as possible of the small-farming class. The liberal nature of the Waste Lands Act of last Session is likely to induce considerable numbers of this class to come out, if the provisions of the Act are made known, and I propose to send you for general circulation copies of a pamphlet containing a popular and succinct description of its main features. You will remember that considerable indignation was expressed here at the publication of copies of a circular list of wages and prices of provisions, &c, in the various provinces, which had been widely distributed under the authority of the Agent-General. The details of that list relating to Auckland were incorrect and misleading. I propose, therefore, to obtain from time to time full and accurate information on these subjects, and transmit the same to you for circulation at Home. J. Williamson, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent. * Vide No. 2.

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(Telegram.) Wellington, 9th September, 1874. Shall be happy to receive the papers you promise to send for circulation. The information published by the Agent-General was that which was furnished by the Immigration Officers at the various ports. If the information as to Auckland was wrong, it was the fault of the Immigration Officer ;or if wages in any other places were stated too high, that also is due to the action of Immigration Officers. His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure 3 in No. 9. His Honor the Superintendent, Hawke's Bay, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (Telegram.) Napier, Bth September, 1874. In reply to No. 211, have not Parliamentary papers to refer to. In addition to emigrants now on the sea, I understand Agent-General is to despatch full ships, 300 to 400 in each, so as to arrive here during each of the months of November, December, and January. In addition, I should like instructions to be given for full ships to arrive here also in the months of February and March. The ships should all have a good proportion of agricultural labourers, single men, and single women. There will be ample employment for these people. Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 4 in No. 9. His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 9th September, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, informing me of your desire to know whether I think any additional instructions should be sent to the Agent-General concerning the number of emigrants to be sent to this province. In reply, I beg to observe that the recommendation of tho Provincial Government of Wellington on this subject has been hitherto fully justified by the test of experience. Immigrants have been ahsorbed as they arrived during the winter months. A still larger number than 500 immigrants a month might be located and absorbed here; but arrangements would in that case be necessary over which the General Government assumes control; it is therefore alone capable of forming a correct judgment of the quantum of immigration. At the same time, I desire to assure you that the Provincial Government will continue to do its utmost to co-operate with your Government in promoting the distribution of those immigrants you may think proper to introduce. I have, &c., William Fitzherbert, The Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. Superintendent.

Enclosure 5 in No. 9. His Honor the Superintendent, Marlborough, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. S IE . Superintendent's Office, Blenheim, 11th September, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram No. 211, of the 4th instant, and, in reply, to inform you that if the direct shipments arrive here as expected, about December, the immigrants so coining, in .addition to the small lots forwarded from time to time from Wellington, will supply our present wants and carry us over the busy time of year at shearing and harvest, after which the demand for labour will materially slacken, and I should not deem it advisable to send for any more direct shipments to be landed here before the following spring. I have, &c., A. P. Seymour, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent.

Enclosure 6 in No. 9. His Honor the Superintendent, Nelson, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. g IE Wellington, 10th September, 1874. I have the honor to ackowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, in which you ask me if I think that any additional instructions should be sent to the Agent-General concerning the Province of Nelson, and in reply to say that I do not recommend any alteration in the number or classes of immigrants, but I think it desirable that the Agent-General should be instructed to act upon the existing instructions only at such dates as to prevent the probability of the arrival of the vessels in the colony during the winter months. I have, &c, Oswald Curtis, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent.

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Enclosure 7 in No. 9. His Honor the Superintendent, Westland, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Wellington, sth September, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 4th instant respecting immigration during the ensuing six months. As far as Westland is concerned, none but nominated immigrants have as yet been distributed, but I think that during the period referred to there should be no difficulty in our receiving 100 adults per month. In advising the Agent-General of this, I would state that the immigrants should, as far as possible, consist of able-bodied men, either labourers, carpenters, blacksmiths, miners, or colliers. The principal demand would be for general labourers, and the females should be fit for domestic service. Should you, from any of the vessels now arriving, bo able to send, say, 200 labourers and 100 female servants, they would at once find employment. It will, however, be at once necessary to erect depots botli at Hokitika and Greymouth, and I would ask for authority to proceed with these. I have, &c, James A. Bonar, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Superintendent.

Enclosure 8 in No. 9. Correspondence between His Honor the Superintendent, Canterbury, and the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (Telegram.) Christchurch, sth September, 1874. Re next year's immigration, I see no reason at present to differ from Mr. March's recommendation, contained in his report forwarded in July last. I think that circumstances may require modification in numbers, which could be effected by telegraph; but it is extremely important to have the larger numbers to arrive in spring and summer months, as recommended. As far as possible, winter consignments should be nominated immigrants and single women, and in no case to exceed the stated amounts. Hon. Minister for Immigration, Wellington. W. Rolleston. (Telegram.) Wellington, sth September, 1875. Mr. March's recommendation is to the effect that shipments of emigrants should be made so as to arrive within specified periods. The uncertain length of passages of ships renders such instructions unfair to the Agent-General. Ho has now instructions to send 500 in August, and 500 in September, selected by Mr. Duncan. Will you state distinctly what number, including nominated emigrants, you desire to have despatched in October, November, December, January, and February, distinguishing each month ? His Honor the Superintendent, Christchurch. Julius Vogel. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 7th September, 1874. As it is now too late for 1,000 to arrive in December, the numbers, counting the voyage at about ninety days, would be—to leave in October 1,000, in November 1,000, December 500, January 500, February 250. But you will understand that the class of emigrants is all-important, and that any emigrant not suited to the wants of the province should be rejected. I hope you will appoint some person of sufficient ability and standing—one in whom the province can have entire confidence —to select the emigrants for Canterbury. Do you accept the gentleman I nominated ? The Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington, W. Rolleston.

Enclosure 9 in No. 9. Correspondence between His Honor the Superintendent, Otago, and the Hon the Minister for Immigration. (Telegram.) Dunedin, sth September, 1874. I cannot lay my hands on Parliamentary papers referred to in your telegram. 1 may say, however, that if arrival of immigrants is limited to the six months beginning October and ending March, we can scarcely have too many, provided quality is at all passable and they are able and willing to work. We should have had little difficulty w 7ith the large numbers being landed here lately had the season been summer instead of mid-winter. As it is, it is marvellous the extent to which they are being absorbed. There are now 1,021 souls afloat at Port Chalmers. The Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. J. Macandrew. (Telegram.) Wellington, sth September, 1874. The Parliamentary papers are sent to Superintendent's Office and to Provincial Council Library, so that you might have them looked up. It is most desirable the answer you give to my telegram should be in the shape of a specific recommendation, so as to enable a uniform telegram to be sent Home. It is quite open to you, if you like, to stipulate that emigrants for Otago shall all be approved by Mr.

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Adam. You evidently misunderstand the dates in my telegram, for you speak of " arrival "as being " limited to six months " between October and March. A moment's consideration will show you that no instructions we can send Home will have any effect upon arrivals in October, or for several months thereafter. The question is, what number you wish to leave Home during those six months. Their arrival will depend upon the length of passages. His Honor the Superintendent, Dunedin. Julius Vogel. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 7th September, 1874. Provincial Government recommends that 6,000 emigrants be despatched for Otago prior to Ist January, in weekly instalments, after which date none should be sent for six months who are not either nominated or selected by provincial agents. If at all practicable, we should like the whole 6,000 to be approved by Mr. Adam. The Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. J. Macandrew.

No. 10. The Hon. E. Richardson to the Agent-General. (No. 285.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 25th September, 1874. Referring to my letter No. 275, of the 25th September, I have now the honor to transmit copy of a letter from His Honor the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay, relative to immigration to that province, and of a telegram* despatched to you upon the 21st instant thereon. I have, &c., Edward Richardson, (in absence of Minister for Immigration). The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

Enclosure in No. 10. His Honor the Superintendent, Hawke's Bay, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — • Napier, 18th September, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 220, of the 10th instant, and beg to thank you for so promptly instructing the Agent-General to despatch a ship for Napier, -with about 300 immigrants, in each of the months of November and December, in addition to previous orders. So far as I can judge, these immigrants will be much required and readily absorbed. With reference to previous orders, I regret to notice, in the telegraphic information of ships despatched for the colony in August, that no vessel has been sent to Napier during that month. We shall thus lose the arrival of one of the shipments ordered at the time of year they are most urgently needed. I would ask you to again press the Agent-General, by telegraph, to comply with the instructions sent in respect to immigrants for this province ; for unless w7e receive the full number ordered and about the time ordered, it will entail great loss upon the district. I observe from your letter that the Agent-General has been further instructed not to include Scandinavian immigrants in the number ordered in the last telegram; and that you inquire whether I wish any of the 6,000 or 7,000 emigrants of this description sent to this province, in addition to those specially ordered from England. In reply I beg to state that I think one shipload could be absorbed with advantage, and I would propose that the General Government take, under the Public Works and Immigration Act, sufficient land in the neighbourhood of the Norsewood settlements in the SeventyMile Bush upon which to locate them. There is and will be a considerable amount of work for some time to come in that district in connection with railway extension, which will provide employment for people settled there. Judging also from the success of the existing settlements in the Seventy-Mile Bush, the Scandinavians are very suitable for location upon bush land. In the event of your approving this proposal, I will be glad to indicate the block of land that can be most easily made available and would under your sanction get tho survey of sections proceeded with as early as possible for the reception of a shipment of people which should arrive not later than December. In addition to the settlement of such a shipment, there are at the present time a considerable number of Scandinavians and others in this province who are anxious to occupy land in the Seventy-Mile Bush, and who could partly pay for the land, but are not in a position to purchase from the Provincial Government under the land regulations in force. Also the land regulations oblige three months' notice that the land is to be opened for sale, and this alone is a bar to the settlement of these people with success during the present summer. I should like therefore to be informed whether the General Government would take under the Public Works and Immigration Act, sufficient land in the Seventy-Mile Bush to meet the actual wants for settlement as they now exist, allowing the parties taking up land to select on payment of a part in cash, the remainder of the cost of the land to be spread over a term of years. I feel satisfied some useful settlement may be promoted in the manner I have indicated, and shall be obliged if you will inform me, as early as possible, whether you can see your way to take the action I propose. The expenses connected with such settlement will be the cost of survey and opening up the land by roads, which could be recouped out of the proceeds of the land. I shall be glad to do all I can to give * Tide No. 8.

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effect to such a mode of settlement, and see no way of giving effect to it except by the land being taken under the Public Works and Immigration Act. I have, &c, J. D. Ormond, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Superintendent.

No. 13. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) 19th October, 1874. Take no action re translation pamphlet pending Vogel's arrival. Building mechanics w ranted, "Merope," " Invercargill," " Zealandia," "McAusland," " Cartvale." Featherston, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 14. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 303.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 22nd October, 1874. With reference to your letter No. 1385, of 12th June, and previous correspondence, upon the subject of embarking emigrants at Plymouth instead of in London, I have to request that you will bring the subject under the notice of the Hon. Mr. Vogel, during his visit to London. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 15. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 306.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 22nd October, 1874 Referring to your letter No. 1439, of 10th July, 1874, and to previous correspondence relative to the action taken by you in giving effect to " The Immigrants Land Act, 1873," I am glad to be informed of the active measures you report to have taken in the matter. The department is still flooded with applications under the Act of such an irregular character, that they cannot be entertained; many of them emanating through your office ; but as upon this subject you have been communicated w 7ith fully in my predecessor's letter No. 264, of Bth September, it is unnecessary that I should express myself further than that I fully indorse the instructions therein conveyed to you. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 16. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 307.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 23rd October, 1874. I have the honor to bring under your notice the fact that surgeon-superintendents of emigrant ships are in the habit of claiming their gratuity and head-money immediately upon arrival, and in many cases making a great grievance of the delay in payment, which is for many reasons unavoidable. I have to request that you will in future give these officers to understand that the gratuity and head-money are not actually payable until the lapse of a fortnight after landing the emigrants, although, when the report of the Commissioners is satisfactory, the money will be paid with the least possible delay. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 17. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 309.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 22nd October, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 7th August ultimo, in which you inform me that the three shipping firms with whom you do business absolutely refuse to sign the charter-parties unless the 36th clause, drafted by the Attorney-General, to provide for service of legal proceedings in the colony in the event of a breach of contract, be expunged. The Hon. Mr. Vogel will he in London when you receive this, and I have to request that you will bring the matter under his notice with the least possible delay. I cannot but think that, with the amount of business at your disposal, you should be in a position to insist upon the insertion of this very reasonable provision in the charter-parties. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

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No. 18. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 311.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 22nd October, 1874. , I forward herewith correspondence with His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, relative to the case of certain lunatic immigrants who, it is reported, were clearly known as lunatics previous to their embarkation for New Zealand. It is unnecessary that I should point out to you how extremely painful it is to the Government to have such cases brought under their notice, evincing, if the facts alleged be true, such gross carelessness on the part of the inspecting and shipping officers of your department. I have to request that you will cause a strict inquiry to be made in each case, and report fully to me with the least possible delay. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 18. Correspondence between the Superintendent, Otago, and the Minister for Immigration. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 10th October, 1874. Single female immigrant, ex "Christian McAusland," M A T , has been lodged in lunatic asylum. I find, on inquiry, that she showed symptoms of insanity in depot at Blackwall before embarking. Has been very violent during whole passage. This is second case of the kind recently, and ought to be pointed out to Agent-General. These patients will be a continual burden on the province, and should be sent back to England. J. Macandrew. Hon. Colonial Secretary, Wellington. (Telegram.) Wellington, 12th October, 1874. Vert much regret landing of second lunatic, and will make strong representations to Agent-General upon the subject. Government are considering the question of re-shipping them to England. Will you let me know whether you will undertake to do this on behalf of Government, and the probable cost ? Have the lunatics any friends in tho colony who would object to proposed action ? H. A. Atkinson. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago.

No. 19. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 314.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 23rd October, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1448, of 20th July, upon the subject of chartering ships for New Plymouth direct. 2. I beg to express my satisfaction at your assurance that you are doing all that is possible to give effect to the instructions upon this subject contained in my predecessor's letter of the Bth May last, No. 127, and I fully concur in his remark relative to the refusal of the shipping companies with whom you at present do business to lay on direct ships, viz. that you should be in a position to control these companies, and not to accept their dictation. 3. I think it of very great importance, in the work of settling the country, that direct ships should be sent to New Plymouth, and am strongly of opinion that in future no contract should be entered into, except upon the condition that the contractor will lay on ships for any port in New Zealand to which the Government might desire to send emigrants. I do not give you positive instructions in this respect, as the Hon. Mr. Vogel will be in London when, or shortly after, you receive this letter, and will consult with you as to the determination of future charter-parties. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 20. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 315.) Sic — Immigration Office, Wellington, 23rd October, 1874. It has been brought under my notice that the female population of the Shetland Islands largely exceeds the males, and consequently that the chances of settlement in life for single girls are very rare, whilst the wages for domestic servants range only from £3 to £5 a year. Under these circumstances, I am inclined to think that many of these, or the families comprising them, a class of emigrants urgently required, might at the present time be induced to emigrate to this colony ; and in order to secure them, I would suggest that the regulations be considerably modified in their case, inter alia, that the age of the single women be extended, say, to forty years, and that fathers and mothers, with families comprising single women, be allowed free passages, to accompany them, although they may be somewhat over the prescribed age. I am further informed, from a source I have reason to think reliable, that the inhabitants of the Fair Isles are desirous to emigrate almost in a body to New Zealand, but, from the position and 2—D. 1.

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circumstances of the island, they are unable to comply with the regulations, so far as the preliminary steps towards obtaining their passages are concerned. I shall be glad if you will direct your attention to this matter, and instruct your agents in the north of Scotland to endeavour to facilitate the emigration of these persons, who would, I believe, form a very desirable addition to the population of the colony. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 21. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 316.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 24th October, 1874. By the Suez September mail, which arrived yesterday, I have received amongst other advices of ships, that of the " Howrah," which you report haying sailed from London for Wellington upon the 26th August. 2. In your telegram, dated 3rd September, you state " ' Howrah ' three eighty Taranaki," and upon this information all arrangements have been completed to provide for the arrival of this number of immigrants at New Plymouth. 3. It is difficult for me to express my dissatisfaction at finding that the " Howrah," instead of proceeding direct, has been despatched to Wellington. The Superintendent having been officially informed that this ship was direct for his province, has, of course, made the information public, and I feel sure that very great and reasonable discontent will be generally expressed when it is known that this is not the case, but that the immigrants are to be transhipped at another port, and that a portion of the complement is for a different province. 4. It is very undesirable, under any circumstances, that emigrants should he forwarded to other ports than those of their ultimate destination, and this has been repeatedly impressed upon you in the letters of my predecessors in office ; but with regard to Taranaki it is more especially so. The province has, up to this time, notwithstanding the repeated promises of the Government, derived little or no direct benefit from the large stream of immigration which has been poured into the colony, and it is therefore only just to insure that the emigrants shipping for New Plymouth shall be landed there, and not afforded the opportunity of obtaining engagements at the port of transhipment, which is very frequently the result in such cases. The Government have no power to insist upon the immigrants when they arrive in Wellington proceeding farther should they elect to remain ;.and I have considerable apprehension that, with the great demand for labour here at present, only the interior classes and those difficult to dispose of, may reach Taranaki. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 22. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th October. "Douglas," " Gutenberg," " Denny," " Readman." Scandinavian emigration ; send all to Wellington ; fifty single women for Taranaki —all must agree to be transhipped where required —Napier as ordered. The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 23. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 319.). Sir,— Immigration Office, Wellington, 26th October, 1874. Referring to letters Nos. 275, of 25th September, and 285, of same date, forwarded from this department, and to previous correspondence, relative to Scandinavian immigration, I have the honor to inform you that, after consultation with the Superintendents of Provinces, and careful consideration of the circumstances of the various parts of the colony, the Government have decided upon instructing you, hy Java cable, not to send Scandinavians to any provinces except Hawke's Bay and Wellington. A copy of the telegram sent to-day is appended hereto. So far as I understand your arrangements, there are at the present date nearly 1,000 Scandinavians to arrive under your old contract with Messrs. Louis Knorr .and Co., 1,600 under the transferred Queensland contract, and 4,000 under your agreement with Mr. Kirchner, making in all some 6,600. I desire that you will give instructions that the number of these emigrants sent during the period ending 30th June prox. may be forwarded in the following proportion:— Wellington. —One ship every two months, with not more than 300. The first ship to bring 50 single women for Taranaki. Hawke's Bay. —One ship, with full complement, to arrive in December, or as early as possible afterwards, as ordered in my telegram of 21st September. The emigrants must- be given clearly to understand that, if considered desirable by the Government, they will be transhipped from the port of arrival to other ports of the colony, and I would suggest that this proviso be entered upon their contract tickets. I have also to, point out to you that the demand for female domestic labour still continues urgent, and as I understand this class of emigrants can without great difficulty be obtained in Germany, I

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request that you will instruct your agents to endeavour to secure a considerable proportion of single women amongst the Scandinavians forwarded. In your letter of 14th May you state that copies of the agreement relative to Scandinavian emigration will be forwarded by the next mail. These have not yet reached me, and in consequence lam entirely without information of the details of the arrangements concluded. If the copies have not been sent, be good enough to forward them at once. I have, &c, Tho Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 24. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 320.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 27th October, 1874. Referring to previous correspondence relative to the form of charter-party under the contract with Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., I have the honor to transmit, for your information, copy of correspondence with his Honor the Superintendent of Otago upon the subject of a claim of £40 made by Messrs. Cargill, Gibbs, and Co. for demurrage of the ship " Mairi Bahn," which, under the circumstances, I have felt obliged to allow. It is quite clear that in all charter-parties of emigrant ships reasonable allowance for lay days should be made ; and I hope that by this time you have made arrangements for assimilating the form of charter-party from Glasgow with those of your London ships. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A, Atkinson.

Enclosures in No. 24. Correspondence between the Minister for Immigration and the Superintendent, Otago. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 30th September, 1874. I have the honor to call your attention to a voucher sent in by Messrs. Cargill, Gibbs and Co. for £40, being two days' demurrage of the " Mairi Bahn," which has been certified to by Mr. Colin Allan and approved by your Honor. Not being in possession of any copy of the contract with Messrs P. Henderson and Co., I am unable to say how far this claim is consistent therewith; but I would point out that where there is not in the charter-party a distinct stipulation as to the number of lay days allowed, this is regulated by the usance of the port, which may, I presume, be taken with regard to emigrant ships at Port Chalmers, to be seven days. I shall be obliged, therefore, if your Honor will reconsider the matter, and I return the voucher for the purpose. I have, &c, Edward Richardson, (in the absence of Minister for Immigration). His Honor the Superintendent, Dunedin. Sir,— Duedin, 14th October, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the number and date quoted in the margin, on the subject of a claim preferred by Messrs. Cargill, Gibbs, and Co. for £40, being two days' demurrage of the " Mairi Bahn," and, in reply, to acquaint you that I have not a copy of the charter-party between the Provincial Government Agent and Messrs. P. Henderson and Co.; but I can state that, as a matter of usance in respect of the line since its commencement many years ago, there have not been any lay days allowed, a circumstance which, doubtless, has been taken into consideration in fixing the rate of passage money, which rate is lower than that paid by the AgentGeneral. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 25. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 321.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 29th October, 1874. Referring to previous correspondence upon the subject of the dietary scale of emigrant ships, the attention of the Government has been specially directed to the question by the very large mortality of children on board two ships recently arrived in Wellington—the " Cartvale " and the "Douglas," and also to certain reported cases of scurvy on board the latter ship. After most careful consideration of the circumstances immediately before them in the case of the ships referred to, and of the various reports of the Immigration Commissioners and Surgeon-Superintendents which are recorded in the department, the Government have come to the conclusion that, although many of the suggestions of my predecessor have been carried out, it is evident that a further change may with benefit be made in the ration issued to adults, and that it is absolutely necessary to make without delay a radical alteration in that supplied to children. I subjoin schedules marked respectively A, B, and C, which have been approved by the Government, and I desire you will cause them to be adopted immediately, considering the instructions in this respect positively imperative. In giving effect to these instructions, it will be necessary to modify, as far as the issue of rations is concerned, the present contracts ;

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but in a matter of so much importance to the health of the emigrants, I am satisfied that you will be met in a liberal spirit by the three shipping firms who are now under contract w 7ith the New Zealand Government. Should, however, any difficulty arise, you will take any steps you may find necessary to carry out my instructions. The adoption of the new scales will probably entail additional expense, which I have had carefully calculated, so far as the necessary information was obtainable, will amount to about Is. 6d. per adult per week. The very large proportion of children amongst the emigrants renders some more special care necessary for them than can be afforded by the surgeon-superintendent and their parents. You will therefore endeavour to secure the services of a children's matron or nurse for each ship, whose duty should be to supervise specially the arrangements for cooking and serving the children's food, and in the case of the elder ones, should arrange, if possible, a separate mess. I do not make this question of the separate mess an absolute instruction, because I am aware under some circumstances it might not be desirable or practicable ; but where the captain and surgeon-superintendent work together cordially, I think without difficulty it might be arranged, and I have no doubt of its utility in securing proper and regular food to the children ; but in all cases where this separate mess is established, instructions must be given that the milk and allowance of special food for children under twelve months be issued to the mother. I have, See., The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson. Schedules. Schedule A. —Adult weekly scale: Beef, eight ounces on Monday and Thursday; pork, eight ounces on Tuesday and Saturday; preserved meat, eight ounces on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday ; suet, two ounces on Sunday and Saturday; butter, three ounces on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday ; biscuit, four ounces every day ; flour, twenty ounces on Sunday and twelve ounces all other days ; rice or oatmeal, four ounces every day ; peas, one quarter pint on Tuesday and Friday; fresh potatoes, one pound on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday; preserved potatoes, one quarter pound on same days; carrots, four ounces on Monday and Thursday ; onions, four ounces on Sunday and Wednesday; raisins, four ounces on Sunday; tea, one half-ounce on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday; coffee, one half-ounce on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday ; sugar, four ounces on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; molasses, four ounces on Monday .and Friday; water, three quarts every day. In substitution of present note with respect to the issue of flour upon Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the following to be inserted, viz.,—Upon Sunday, eight ounces of flour per adult shall be issued to the emigrants for the purpose of making puddings, and the remaining twelve ounces, and the whole of the allowance upon other days, shall be issued to the baker, and be made by him into bread. Schedule B. —Children up to twelve years of age are to receive preserved meat instead of salt meat every day ; and in addition to the articles to which they are entitled by the above written scale, one pint of preserved milk and three pints of water daily; and every alternate day, eight ounces of oatmeal and four ounces preserved soup ; and eight ounces flour, four ounces rice, and ten ounces sugar weekly. An additional quart of water to be issued daily for the use of each person sick in the hospital, if the surgeon shall so order. Schedule C. —Twenty half-pound packets oatmeal grits, thirty-five pounds West India arrowroot, thirty pounds Scotch barley, twenty-five pounds sago, fifty pounds best preserved meat soup, fifty pounds preserved beef tea, fifty pounds preserved broth, fifty tins desiccated milk, twenty pounds preserved chicken broth in one quarter-pound tins, forty pounds preserved boiled mutton and beef in onepound and half-pound tins (half and half), eighteen* bottles sherry, one gallon gin, two gallons methylated spirits of wine, thirty-six quart bottles port wine, five gallons brandy, five gallons vinegar, twenty-four dozen imperial pints approved stout and twelve dozen quarts, malt and hops or other approved materials for leavening bread, two bushels quick lime in cask, three and a half hundredweight best yellow soap, four hundred pounds loaf sugar, ten bushels sand, and fifty pounds of flour.

No. 26. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 325.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 16th November. 1874. I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your information, copy of a letter from Mr. A. Bradley, relative to emigration from the North of Ireland. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 26. Mr. A. Bradley to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir,— Northern Wairoa, 20th October, 1874. I intended addressing the following remarks to Mr. Vogel, but being on the eve of his departure for England, I feel confident they will obtain the same attention from you. I am surprised that in the pursuit of fitting persons as emigrants, the North of Ireland has been entirely overlooked. The counties of Antrim, Down, and Armagh contain a class of small farmers

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holding from ten to twenty-five acres of land, and who are experienced in all the details of peasant husbandry. They and their sons do all their work without the aid of hired labour, and are well versed in the rearing of cattle and rotation of cropping. Their narrow circumstances under a rigid proprietary forces them to be economical. It has been found out to a shilling what they can bear, and their saving habits would therefore fit them well for the first efforts in a new sphere of action. Not so the English labourers, who have been imported here in such numbers, and whose only study has been to expend their week's wages as it is earned. The class of people I recommend are generally of numerous families, and are often at a loss to know how to dispose of some of their sons. Mr. Samuel Cochrane, who sent out some very suitable emigrants from the neighbourhood of Belfast, as house servants and labourers, should have tried the rural districts, for there may be found a class equal to any in the British Dominions for making prosperous colonists. I hope these remarks will claim your attention, as from the urgency that exists to have our idle lands as soon as possible turned to profitable account, all available means to obtain the right sort of settlers should be resorted to. I am, &c, Hon. D. Pollen. Alex. Bradley.

No. 27. . - The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 339.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 18th November, 1874. I have the honor to inform you that Mr. C. Holloway, having completed his tour of the colony, will leave for England in the ship " Halcione " early next week. So far as I have been able to gather from Mr. Holloway's reports, which have appeared in the public papers, and are very ably written, I am led to believe that he is well pleased with the colony, and with the reception he has met with from all classes of the community. I trust that his reports to his constituencies will induce considerable emigration of a suitable class to New Zealand. I have directed him to report himself to you upon his arrival in London. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 28. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 341.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 19th November, 1874. Referring to your letters noted in the annexed schedule, transmitting copies of applications for land under " The Immigrants Land Act, 1873," I have the honor to inform you that, after most careful consideration, the Government is unable to recognise any claims except such as are made in accordance with the provisions of the Act referred to, the clauses of which render it necessary that the applicant should apply within sixty days of his landing in the colony, and shall produce a certificate, under your hand, that he is a suitable immigrant. 1 regret therefore that none of the applications forwarded through you can be entertained. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 29. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st November, 1874. "India," "Edinburgh," "Hydaspes," "Mail," "Bebington," " Waitangi." Physical character of Feilding immigrants very bad —use greater care selection. Featherston, London. ' Atkinson.

No. 30. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th November, 1874. " Chile." Large mortality children " Douglas," " Cartvale." Issue to all children under twelve, in addition to ordinary rations, one pint milk and eight ounces bread daily. Featherston, London. Atkinson.

No. 31. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 356.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 17th December, 1874. Referring to your letter No. 1607, of 23rd September last, I herewith forward for your information copy of a letter from His Honor the Superintendent of Otago with reference to Mrs. Howard's engagement as an Emigration Agent. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

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Enclosure in No. 31. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Dunedin, 4th December, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the number and date quoted in the margin, enclosing copy of a letter received from the Agent-General with reference to the appointment of Mrs. Howard as an Emigration Agent, and in reply to "state that the Provincial Government never recommended Mrs. Howard, nor was its opinion asked upon the subject. Had it been so, the probability is that her services would not have been availed of. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. J. Macandrew, Superintendent.

No. 32. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 370.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 21st December, 1874. Referring to previous correspondence on the subject of despatching immigrants direct to the Bluff, from which it appears that the shipping companies declined to send more than two ships during the six months ending 19th August, 1874, I desire to point out to you that the "Ocean Mail" and " Conflict," which ships sailed from London during this period, both proceeded to the port indicated to discharge cargo, after landing their immigrants at Nelson and Wellington respectively. It appears to me only reasonable that advantage should have been taken of these vessels to comply with the reiterated instructions of tho Government, by despatching immigrants in them direct to the Bluff. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 33. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 372.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 21st December, 1874. Referring to the Hon. Mr. Vogel's letter No. 260, of 20th November, 1873, with reference to the forms of application for passages and certificates issued from your office to intending emigrants, I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that the form of certificate for signature by two householders still contains the clause objected to by my predecessor in the letter referred to, relative to the emigrant not having the means of paying his passage in full; and I would point out to you that the wording of this clause, independently of its objectionable nature, is entirely inconsistent with the system of free emigration, and would appear to refer to assisted passages — i.e. : "We believe that he (she, or they) really have not the means of paying in cash a larger part of the passage money than the above sum." 2. The Government are of opinion that every possible inducement should be given to the immigration of small farmers, artizans, or labourers with a little money, who are much more desirable persons in the work of settling the country than immigrants entirely destitute of means. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 34. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 373.) Sir, — Immgiration Office, Wellington, 22nd December, 1874. It has been brought under my notice that a very considerable number of immigrants upon their arrival either produce nomination papers for other ports of the colony than the port of destination of the ship, or produce evidence, mere or less satisfactory, that they shipped for such other ports, and were assured at your office that there was no ship available, but that they would be forwarded at the Government expense. 2. It is hardly necessary that I should point out to you the very large additional expense entailed hy not shipping immigrants direct to their destination, and I have directed a complete return to be prepared by the Immigration Officers at the principal ports, showing the names and other particulars respecting those who appear to have been so despatched, in order that when forwarded to you, as it will be by the next mail, you may cause full inquiry to be made into the matter. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 35. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 376.) Sir, — ■ Immigration Office, Wellington, 22nd December, 1874. In order that you may be kept fully informed of the rates of wages and prices of provisions ruling in the colony, I directed a circular to be sent to each Immigration Officer instructing him to furnish the necessary information, and I now transmit the returns received. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

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Enclosure in No. 35. TABULAR STATEMENT of the PRICES of PROVISIONS and RATES of WAGES in the different Provinces and Districts of New Zealand, in December, 1874.

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Pbices of Peovisions. fit o Iff O IESHEN TEE DAT 01? ElGIIT HoUES. Faem Laboueees pee Yeae, and Found. Female Servants pee Yeae. Peovisions and Wages. O CO PH m CD to d. d. a. o d. d. P. CD s.d. s.d. fa a. 3 d. d. CD 9 o eg CD 9 t: o 9 Pi i n E PI CS E "3 CD PM ■3 i co CD si E s a CD O I CO B A S CD O 02 a __ to 3 5! pq CO E E o hJ 8 <u Ct3 09 ft o O E CD CD iZ CD d if co' t a CD CD CD _S> C E i CO o 9 O Prices and Bates furnished by Immigration Officers. d. a. s.d. s.d. d. d. s.d. s.d. per ct. s. s. s. s. 8. B.I 3. 8. U. 8. S. 8. B. 8. B- ■ • S. 8. £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Auckland Grahamstown ... New Plymouth Patea Napier Wellington Wairarapa 7 to 8 ' 9 9-10 9-10 9-10 7- 8 9-10 4 to 6 31-8 3- 6 3- 6 4- 6 3- 6 3- 6 21 to 5 4- 7 3- 6 3- 5 2- 5 3- 6 21-6 1/(5 to3/ 2/6-3/G 2/4-3/ 2/G-3/6 2/6-3/ 2/ -3/ 2/9-3/6 31to61 5-6 5-6 5-7 5-6 4-6 5-7 l/3tol/6 1/6-1/10 1/4-1/9 1/6-2/ 1/2-1/4 1/6-1/10 1/4-2/ 2-3 1 - 1 1-2 1- i f-a /10to 1/ 1/ -1/2 /10 -1/ 1/ -1/6 1/ -1/6 /10 -1/9 1/ -1/2 15to20 40-50 30-40 15-20 20-25 9tol0 8-10 8-12 10-12 10-12 9-12 8-12 10-12 9-11 8-10 10-12 10-12 9-12 8-10 8 to 9 8-10 8-10 10-12 8-12 7-10 8-10 8 to 9 9-12 8-10 10-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 9 to 10 8-12 8-10 10-12 8-io; 9-12 6 to 7 10-12 10-12 8 to 9 6-8 piecework 10 - 12 7-9 7-9 8-10 10tol2 10-11 10 10 10-12 7- 9 8-10 6 to 7 6- 7 6-8 6- 8 6- 8 7- 8 6- 9 65 to 75 52 - 65 50 - 60 70 - 80 50 - 70 60 - 70 60 - 80 50 to 60 35-40 140 - 50 50 - 60 40-50 40 - 60 40 - 52 30 20 to 30 20 - 25 30 - 50 25 - 30 26 - 30 20 - 30 60 to 70 30 - 35 30 - 50 40 - 50 30 - 40 26 - 35 20 to 30 20 - 28 15 - 22 30 - 40 20 - 30 20 - 30 20 - 30 20-30 f-hour 1/ 10-11 11-12 10-12 Wanganui Marton Blenheim Nelson 9-10 9-10 9 6- 7 4- 5 5 5- 6 4£- 6 3-5 4- 5 4- 5 4- 5 2/8-3/ 2/6-3/ 2/ -3/6 2/3-2/6 4i-6 4-5 41-7 5-6 1/6-1/9 1/6-2/ 1/6-1/9 1/3-1/4 i l-n i- t 1- i per cwt. 8/ 1/ -1/3 1/ -1/6 9 -1/3 9 -/10 50-60 40^45 30-50 10-12 10-12 10-12 8-12 1010/6 10-12 10-12 8-12 | 8/6-10/6 10-12 10-12 8-12 8-10/6 10-12 10-12 10-12 8-10 10-12 9-12 9-11 10 - 12 10 - 12 10-12 8-10 10-12 10-12 7-10 6- 7 7-10 7-10 60 - 80 60 - 80 60 - 80 65 - 80 50 - 60 40 - 50 40 - 60 45 - 60 30 - 35 30 - 40 30 - 40 30 - 50 32 - 50 20 - 35 25 - 30 25 - 35 20 - 30 30 - 40 30 - 35 Greymouth 9 9-1/ 9-1/ 3/ 51 1/6 1/3-1/6 40 16-18 16-18 - 16-20 piecework 15 -18 10-12 80 60 per week 20/ -25/ per year 50 - 55 40 - 52 36 - 40 30 100-120 per week 20/-25/ per year 30 - 35 35-40 45 - 52 35 - 50 per week 15/ - 25/ per year 25 - 30 30 - 35 30 - 35 Hokitika 8- 9 6- 8 6- 8 2/6-3/6 5-6 1/9-2/ 11 per cwt. 3/6-4/6 Id.-ld. 1 1/3-2/ 16-18 20 15 14 12 8-10 16 10-12 Christchurch ... Timaru Oamaru 61-8 7- 8 8 3- 6 4- 7 4- 8 21- 5 3- 5 4- 8 2/ -3/6 2/6-3/ 2/9-3/6 5-6 5-6 51-6 1/6-1/10 1/9-2/0 1/8-2/ /8 -1/6 /7 -2/ 1/3-1/6 35-40 25-30 20 9-10 12-14 10-12 10-11 10-12 10-12 8- 9 10 - 12 12 - 14 9-11 12-14 10-14 8-10 8-10 10-12 60 -80 1>day 8-10 I 8- 9 9-10 9-10 9-12 per week 70s. per day 9-12 • 10-11 10-12 12-14 7- 8 7- 9 7-12 60 - 65 65 - 75 55 - 60 25- 30 25 - 35 25 - 30 10-12 Dunedin 6- 7 4- 5 3- 4 2/ -2/6 5 1/6-2/ ii 1/ -1/2 25 10-12 15 12 12-14 10 15 8 65 - 75 52 - 55 35-40 40 26 - 36 Invercargill 8- 9 31- 6 H - 5 2/6-3/ 4-6 1/3-1/9 i-i per cwt. 8/-9/ /10 -1/6 25-35 12-14 13-15 12 - 14 ! 12-13 10-12 13-15 8-10 80 -100 45 - 55 26 - 30 30 - 50 26 - 40 Biverton 8- 9 5-61 5- 6 3/ -4/ 41-6 11/6-1/9 1/3-1/9 25-50 ,12-14 12-14 10 - 11 12-14 11-12 8-10 10-15 8-10 60 - 80 50 - 70 25 - 35 40-60 26 - 40

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No. 36. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 378.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 22nd December, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 1624, of 23rd September ultimo, enclosing a number of memoranda by the Despatching Officer, in reply to certain complaints affecting his department contained in letters and reports forwarded from this office. I have submitted Mr. Smith's memoranda to the several Boards of Commissioners whose reports are commented upon, and I forward for your information copies of their remarks thereupon, which, after a careful perusal, I am of opinion are entirely borne out by the circumstances of the several cases involved, and justify, to the fullest extent, the original remarks in their reports, which, being with regard to matters of fact, are not in any way disposed of by counter assertions on the part of the Despatching Officer, wdio, however he may justify the warm eulogiums expressed in your letter, can hardly be in as good a position to judge of" the state and condition of ships and their passengers upon arrival as the Commissioners who visit and inspect them, and w 7ho have the opportunity of obtaining from the surgeon-superintendent, the officers of the ship, and passengers, the fullest information as to the details of the voyage. It is apparently necessary to remind Mr. Smith that the object of the inspection of the fittings, plumbers' work, Sec., of the ships before sailing, is to insure these being of a . serviceable character during the voyage. Experience has proved that this, in many instances, has not been the case, and the statements so often reiterated in Mr. Smith's remarks that everything was satisfactory upon inspection do not meet the case. I cannot but express my regret that instead of endeavouring to remedy defects which have been pointed out by the officers of this department in the colony, the Despatching Officer is satisfied with maintaining that everything is right, and that no possible improvement is practicable or desirable, and that any inconvenient statements of fact which may appear in the Commissioners' reports are not consistent with truth. With regard to the medical inspection and care of the health of the emigrants, I would point out to you that if Mr. Smith's propositions, especially as expressed in his remarks upon the " Woodlark " report, are to be accepted, the logical deduction is that it is a necessary contingent upon emigration to this colony that 17 per cent, of infants and 4 per cent, of children under twelve should die upon the passage. This is the death rate calculated from the ships which have arrived in this colony since Ist January, 1874. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosures in No. 36. Memoranda by Immigration Commissioners. " Queen op the North." Re Water-closets for Married People's Compartments below deck. —ln support of the Commissioners' opinion, we beg to quote an extract from A. C. Collison's (surgeon of the "Queen of the North ") report: " I would beg to recommend that there should be a water-closet in the married people's compartment, for the use of the women in bad weather." " SCHIEHALLION." Re Lighting and Ventilation of the Single Girls' Department. —The statement made by Mr. Smith is not satisfactory, and we are of the same opinion as expressed in report. G. T. Fannin, } J. M. Tabuteau, > Commissioners. Thos. Hitchings, ) Napier, 15th December, 1874. Remarks upon the Despatching Officer's Reports to the Agent-General, with reference to the undermentioned Immigrant Ships. "Douglas." Surgeon-Superintendent Tuck reported to the Immigration Commissioners, upon his arrival in Wellington, that the children's stores had been deficient, and produced his journal as evidence of the truth of his report. He also produced sufficient evidence to show that the ship had not completed her fittings at the time the emigrants were embarked. Re the Surgeon's Cabin. —There can be no doubt that the cabin occupied by the McDonald family would have been more convenient for the surgeon than the one he had. The Commissioners pass over, without remark, the serious charge made by the Despatching Officer against Surgeon Tuck's integrity, as it is not supported by any evidence, and as that gentleman has no opportunity of defending himself. " Duke of Edinburgh." Re Issuing Room and Surgery. —The Immigration Commissioners do not find any reason for altering their opinion that the issuing room, surgery, &c, should be on deck, notwithstanding the memorandum of Captains Edwin and Johnston ; but since that memorandum was written, the Commissioners have not repeated the complaint, as they have no doubt the Government know of some special experience possessed by those gentlemen upon this subject.

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Re Construction of Hatchways, S{c. —The Despatching Officer defends the construction of hatch ways, on the ground that they were the samo as customary as to strength and structure. The Commissioners are of opinion that this is no excuse for their exceedingly flimsy and inefficient nature, but would suggest the possibility of building full hatchways like other houses on deck. This w7ould prevent the difficulty and inconvenience of women and children climbing over high combings. Re Galley. —The cooking accommodation in this ship appeared to be small and inconvenient, and therefore the Commissioners notified the matter in their report. Re Condenser. —Although the condenser was passed by the Board of Trade Inspector, and reported by him to be efficient, yet the captain, the surgeon, and the engineer stated that it was very inefficient, and the Commissioners are of opinion that an inquiry should be made,'as to the nature of the test to which the condensers are subjected. They believe it should be the working of the machine for twentyfour consecutive hours. The Hospitals. —The Commissioners acknowledge the advantage of three hospitals in place of two, as used to be the case, but maintain their opinion that they should all be on deck. Raising Coal through the Fore-hatch. —The Despatching Officer's experience is certainly at fault if he maintains that the surgeon practically should be held responsible for allowing the coals to be raised through the fore-hatch. The surgeon reported the circumstance on arrival in port, but could not prevent it during the voyage. Re Duty of Surgeon. —We presume the Despatching Officer superintended the fitting of this vessel, and he would thus be continually about her; if so, it was his fault for allowing a surgeon to come in her who did not attend to his duty before leaving. " Salisbury." Re Store and Issuing Room. —The Commissioners have already remarked on this subject above: see ship " Duke of Edinburgh." Re Construction of Hatchways, Sfc. —The Commissioners agree with the Despatching Officer's remark that the hatchways and combings were the same kind as have been used for twenty years. In their report the Commissioners suggested the propriety of some improvement. " WOODLARK." Re Embarkation during Mist and Fog. —The Despatching Officer allows that the emigrants were embarked during a heavy dense fog ; but wishes to know how it could be avoided. The Commissioners, not being at the port of departure, have not a sufficient knowledge of the locality, or of the arrangements made by the Despatching Officer for the embarkation of emigrants, to enable them to suggest what should have been done, but they felt it to be their duty to report the fact that the emigrants had been shipped upon a very unfit day, and, in consequence, were exposed to much inconvenience and danger. Re Lavish Expenditure of Stores and Comforts in the Channel. —The Despatching Officer states that he never heard any complaint made of such lavish expenditure. The Commissioners do not for one moment suppose that such a complaint would reach him unless from this end ; and on that account, and in order that such doings should be stopped, the Commissioners were very particular in getting the information and reporting upon it. Re Sand, Charcoal, Sfc. —The deficient supply of lime, sand, charcoal, &c, is the fault of the charter-party; but the Commissioners have fully reported upon this subject, and believe that in future the supply will be made more liberal. "Golden Sea." Captain's Complaint of not getting Copy of Charter-party. —The Commissioners cannot give an opinion on this subject. They reported the fact that the children during the early part of the voyage were mulcted of a portion of their rations, and the explanation or excuse given by the captain for such short issue. Re Origin of Outbreak of Scarlatina. —The Commissioners do not think it necessary to discuss the origin of the outbreak of scarlatina on board this ship. In their report they gave the evidence obtained from the surgeon-superintendent. " La Hogue." Re Position of Hospitals. —Tho Commissioners are of opinion that the surgeon-superintendent's complaint as to the position of the hospitals in this ship was a very proper one. Its proximity to the water-closet rendered it unfit for use, the double bulk-heads, with felt between the boards, proving no protection, as was quite evident to the senses of the Commissioners at the time of inspection. In reply to the Despatching Officer's remark that the surgeon of this ship endeavoured to raise himself in the estimation of the colonial authorities by making exaggerated complaints, the Commissioners are of opinion that such a charge is unwarranted. This surgeon had no thought of remaining in the colony, or of accepting any appointment or further charge connected with New Zealand : he was far superior to the medical men usually engaged in the emigration service ; his report was very useful and well considered, and his opinion perfectly disinterested and unbiassed. If the Government desires any further information upon the points raised by the Despatching Officer, it would be well to send copies of his reports, together with our remarks thereon, to the several surgeon-superintendents concerned. Alexander Johnston, M.D. H. J. H. Eliott. Wellington, 16th December, 1874. John Holliday. 3-D. 1.

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Memorandum for the Under Secretary. The Immigration Officer at Christchurch has submitted the attached memoranda by Mr. Smith, the Despatching Officer of the Home agency, to the Immigration Commissioners; and they offer the following remarks: — First, as regards the " Celestial Queen:" The Commissioners are of opinion that if the plumbers' w7ork is properly done in the first place, it generally works well throughout the voyage. Ships that have followed the " Celestial Queen " prove this beyond a doubt. The condensing apparatus of this ship was 'an old one, and had worked indifferently throughout, although it may have been reported efficient by the Board of Trade on the embarkation of the emigrants. As regards cheese, the Commissioners are clearly of Mr. Smith's opinion, that certain cheese shipped at some seasons of the year will not keep, however good it may be when shipped. With respect to the " Isles of the South," tho Commissioners recorded a fact in their report that the ship's sides admitted water, and consequently the cleanliness of the compartments was very inferior. It is also true that the diet for children was not served out for the first three weeks of the passage, and the Commissioners were informed on inquiry that the reason was on account of these stores being stowed away out of sight. It is very probable that the hospital intended for males was appropriated to some other purpose through the neglect of the surgeon-superintendent. With reference to the "Atrato," the Commissioners have only to remark that the emigrants complained of overcrowding on their arrival here. The ventilation was generally good, with the exception of that portion alluded to in their report. The Commissioners are still of opinion that the part of the ship where the six families and twenty-two children were berthed was dark, and also that it is highly undesirable to despatch such a number of families in one ship, however large she may be. W. Donald. John Bouse. Lyttelton, sth December, 1874. J. E. March.

No. 37. Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 381.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 23rd December, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1814, of 30th October, 1874, in which, with reference to previous correspondence, you inform me that you have obtained permission of the Post Office authorities for the gratuitous exhibition of our emigration notices throughout the United Kingdom, and that you intend to immediately avail yourself of it. I desire that you will convey to the Postmaster-General the thanks of the Government of New Zealand for being good enough to accede to their wishes in this matter. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 38. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 16th January, 1875. " Clarence," " Carnatic," " Crusader," "Galbraith," "Nelson." Plasterers much wanted for Wellington. Supply duplicate order railway material by " Cospatrick." Featherston, London. Atkinson.

No. 39. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 16.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 19th January, 1875. Referring to my letter No. 315, of the 25th October last, in which I called your attention to the fact that the inhabitants of the Fair Isles would be found, in all probability, willing to emigrate to this colony, provided that measures were taken to assist them to leave the island and proceed to a port of shipment, I have now the honor to enclose a letter from the Superintendent of Otago covering a communication from the Caithness and Sutherland Association upon the same subject. It would appear, from the statements of the Hon. Secretary to the Association, that the inhabitants of the Fair Island are exceedingly anxious to emigrate, en masse, to New Zealand, but are unable, from geographical position and other difficulties, to avail themselves of the ordinary regulations for free emigration through your office. Having every reason to believe that these people are likely to prove very useful emigrants, I have to request that you will, as far as possible, meet the views of the Association, and arrange, through your agents in tho North of Scotland, that the islanders may be conveyed to whatever port of departure for the colony may be most convenient in accordance with your arrangements, and thence shipped in the same vessels direct for Otago. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

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Enclosure in No. 39. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Dunedin, 4th January, 1875. I have the honor to forward, for the consideration of the Government, the enclosed copy of a letter received from the Caithness and Sutherland Association on the subject of the desire of the inhabitants of Fair Island, midway between Orkney and Shetland, to emigrate, en masse, to New Zealand. The Provincial Government is of opinion that these people would be admirably suited for the special settlement at Stewart's Island, and I have, accordingly, therefore to recommend that instructions may be sent to the Agent-General to provide transport for them thither by a vessel direct if possible. I have, Sec, J. Macandrew, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent. Secretary to Caithness and Sutherland Association to Superintendent, Otago. Sir, — Port Chalmers, 22nd December, 1874. Instructed by the above Association,, I have the honor of drawing your attention to the following facts in connection with the emigration scheme and Mr. Adam's visit to the North of Scotland. From correspondence read at the last meeting of our Association, we find that the inhabitants of the " Fair Island " (an island midway between Orkney and Shetland) are exceedingly anxious to emigrate en masse to New Zealand ; but from the fact that there is neither minister, lawyer, doctor, nor Magistrate upon the island, they are unable to comply with the usual formulas in the signing of papers, &c, and the Agent-General will in no point relax the regulations to meet the requirements of their case, the consequence being that they are obliged to remain where they are. The Rev. P. Barclay proposed to take these people to Kirkwall, where they should give I O Us for the preliminary expenses, say £3 ; but this Dr. Featherston refuses to comply with. We are of opinion that we need not point out to your Honor's Government the desirability of procuring the islanders as emigrants particularly suited for the formation of a special settlement in our own province. Your Honor has once and again expressed yourself on this matter, and perhaps we may be pardoned should we draw your attention to the peculiar applicability of these islanders for this purpose. They at present inhabit a small island midway between Orkney and Shetland, isolated from intercourse with their fellow-men, and entirely dependent upon their own exertions (or rather the fruits of them) in fishing and farming for support. They number about 250 souls, and, coming out as they would en masse, would form a very respectable number to locate in any of the settlements on the West Coast, Stewart Island, or Catlin's, or Waikawa. Our Association, which has for the last twelve months been quietly—but yet we can say without egotism certainly—helping the Government in the emigration scheme from the Northern Counties of Scotland, by representation in the local Northern papers as well as welcoming new arrivals and procuring them employment, would take a deep interest in the shipment, and on arrival would do everything that lies in its power to assist the Government in settling these islanders either in situations or at some special place to be chosen by the Government. Would your Honor's Government therefore take the case of the Fair Islanders into consideration, and transmit such instruction to your Special Emigration Agent, Mr. Adam, as shall enable him to meet their peculiar requirements, either by getting a vessel to call at Lerwick or Kirkw-all for them, or providing some means by which they can be conveyed from the Island to Glasgow or London, as may seem to him best? By so doing you would confer an obligation on our Association and on its individual members. I have, &c, W. Elder. Hon. Secretary to Caithness and Sutherland Association. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago.

No. 40. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 21.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 19th January, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that, upon the 10th January instant, the Government received information, through telegrams in the public press, of the total destruction by fire of the emigrant ship " Cospatrick," off the Cape of Good Hope, and the loss, under peculiarly distressing circumstances, of nearly all the passengers and crew. It is unnecessary for me to inform you of the deep sorrow which is felt by the Government, and the inhabitants of the colony generally, at this appalling calamity, the details of which are almost too horrible to contemplate, and I must express to you their anxiety to receive the official information upon the subject which you without doubt have lost no time in forwarding. I have to request that you will forward to this department full reports, with evidence attached, of any inquiry or inquiries which may be made into the circumstances of the loss of the ship, either by the Board of Trade or other bodies, as also the results of any investigations you may have felt yourself called upon to make through your own officers with regard to the nature and stowage of the cargo, and the provision for extinguishing fire upon the emigrants' deck. I shall also be glad to be informed of the character of your arrangements generally with regard to ascertaining, through officers of your own department, whether sections 27 and 29 of " The Passengers Act, 1855," are fully carried out in the case of all ships chartered for the conveyance of emigrants to this colony. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

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No. 41. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 28.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 13th February, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1958, of the 15th December, 1874, in which you inform me that in consequence of the difficulty experienced in securing full complements for the vessels for which you had guaranteed specific numbers, you had found it necessary to withdraw the " Rangitikei," which had been laid on for Otago, and ship her emigrants in the " Dallam Tower," to Wellington. Under the circumstances detailed, I have to express my approval of the course adopted by you, but I trust that in future it may not be necessary to ship emigrants to other ports than their final destination, as the expense of transhipment in the colony is a very serious consideration. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 42. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 38.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 15th February, 1875. I have the honor to forward copy of a memorandum from the Immigration Officer at Auckland, reporting that an immigrant by the "Assaye," named J P , came out to this colony with the intention of proceeding on to New South Wales, and that, according to her statement, the local agent at Penzance, who recommended her for a free passage, was aware that such was her intention. I have to request that you will cause a strict inquiry to be made into this matter, and if you have reason to believe that the statement of the woman is correct, that you will at once cease to employ the present agent, and appoint another. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 42. The Immigration Officer, Auckland, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Auckland, 31st December, 1874. I have the honor to report that it has been brought to my knowledge that one of the immigrants ex " Assaye," a single woman, named J P , intends to proceed immediately to Sydney, New South Wales, to join her friends there. On questioning J P on the subject, she informed me that the immigration officer or agent at Penzance, Cornwall, was acquainted with the fact that she intended to proceed to Australia via New Zealand, and that he recommended her for a free passage under these circumstances. The woman made this statement apparently in a straightforward manner, but without any other evidence than her own word. She states that her friends will pay her passage to Sydney; but in the meantime, as she is without funds, she must take employment here, and possibly may not carry out her intention of proceeding further. I considered it proper to report these facts for the information of the head of my department. The immigration agent's name at Penzance, the girl thinks, is Ludlow. H. Ellis, Immigration Officer. Kin^i^i^j^i^Hi^ißMijjjjjjjjjjjjjjjaata.^.^.^.^.^.^MMMc^c^c^ca

No. 43. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 45.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 15th February, 1875. Eeferring to my letter No. 370, of 21st December, and to previous correspondence upon the same subject, I have now the honor to forward you copies of letters from His Honor the Superintendent of Otago and the Invercargill District Road Board. In addition to the official communication received by the Government, I observe by the public Press that great and increased dissatisfaction exists in the southern district of Otago at the small number of emigrants which have been despatched direct to the Bluff, whilst several ships have recently arrived there with cargo, having disembarked emigrants at other ports. I think these complaints are very reasonable, and you will please to consider it a positive instruction that, in any contract you may make for the conveyance of emigrants to Otago, you will insist upon the arrangement that one out of every three ships so chartered shall disembark her emigrants at the Bluff. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure 1 in No. 43. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Dunedin, 4th February, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 20th January, relative to a resolution passed by the Town Council of Invercargill respecting the landing of immigrants at Bluff,

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copy of which was forwarded by me without comment. As the absence of comment may possibly be misconstrued, I have now the honor to state that the Provincial Government has all along been desirous that a proportion of immigrant ships bound for this province should discharge their passengers at Bluff Harbour. This desire has been so frequently expressed both verbally and in writing, and is so well known to your predecessor in office, that it was deemed unnecessary reiteration to be repeating it. Tho subjoined extract of a letter addressed by me to the Provincial Agent, Mr. Auld, under date as per margin, set forth the views and wishes of the Provincial Government upon the matter in question. Although tho Agent-General has been already advised on the subject, perhaps you will be good enough again to direct his attention thereto. Extract. —" I beg again to confirm my previous instructions with respect to a proportion of the " emigrant ships for this province landing their passengers .at the Bluff, and have to request that in as " far as you can control or influence the matter you will be good enough to do so, even if the rate of " passage money should be slightly in excess of that charged to Port Chalmers. Had the Provincial " Government been finding the money for immigration, it would have been bound, in terms of an " understanding anterior to the reunion of Otago and Southland, to have stipulated that a proportion "of the ships chartered on its behalf should call at the Bluff. As it is, however, the matter rests " practically with the Agent-General, who I venture to hope will give due weight to your representa- " tions on the subject." I have, Sec, J. Macandrew, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Superintendent.

Enclosure 2 in No. 43. Invercargill Road Board to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Invercargill, 27th January, 1875. I am instructed by the Invercargill District Road Board to bring under your notice the loss that this district is receiving through non-compliance with one of the chief terms of re-union with the Province of Otago, viz. that every third immigrant ship should call at the Bluff. Although we have been re-united to the Province of Otago for several years, only three vessels have come direct to the Bluff with immigrants, and those under arrangements with the General Government. Occasionally drafts of immigrants have been very meagrely supplied from Dunedin, but nothing in comparison with the absorbing power of this district. It is almost needless to say that those few were immediately and profitably employed. This Board urge that this district has peculiar claims on the attention of the Government, as, notwithstanding the amount of public works being carried on in this locality, we have upwards of thirty saw-mills at work —an industry alone wdiich absorbs hundreds of men. No objection can be made by shipowners as to the unsuitableness of our harbour, the Bluff, which is second to none in New Zealand, as ships of any size can enter with ease and safety without the aid of a steam-tug; and an efficient pilot service is stationed at the port. Although this objection, we understand, has been mooted by some shipowners at Home, it is not in accordance with fact, as within the past twelve months no less than eight large vessels have arrived from the Home country with cargo for this port, but unfortunately having landed their immigrants elsewhere. This Board, therefore, deem it their duty to urge upon you to use your utmost endeavours to see that the terms of our re-union compact are carried out in their entirety, and that this district receives its proper share of immigrants at your hands. Trusting you will give this your most earnest attention, I have, Sec, Lewis Longuest, The Hon. tho Minister for Immigration. Clerk to the Invercargill Road Board.

No. 44. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 47.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 13th February, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1956, of the 15th December, addressed to Mr. Vogel, in wdiich, in reply to a letter from him dated Bth September, you enter at length upon the subject of " The Immigrants Land Act, 1873," and of the duties required of you in relation thereto. As Mr. Vogel has without doubt discussed the matter fully with you when in London, it is unnecessary for mo to prolong the correspondence upon the subject. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 45. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 52.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 15th February, 1875. I have the honor to forward herewith copies of the general conditions of the Jackson's Bay Special Settlement in the Province of Westland, with reports of the Chief Surveyor and the Chief Harbour-Master, which have been sent to me by the Superintendent, under cover of a letter, in which his Honor expresses himself in the following terms: —

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" I have drawn a few preliminary conditions, a copy of which I beg to enclose, but I would prefer that they should not be gazetted until w 7e have had a little experience of how they will w rork. They will, however, be sufficient to explain generally to intending settlers tho intention of the Government with regard to the settlement; and if approved of by you, I should be glad if you would transmit them to the Agent-General in London, so that arrangements may be at once commenced for sending us out a suitable class of emigrants. The number of immigrants it is proposed to locate in this settlement is 250 families, say equal to 1,000 adults. Of these, fifty families are to be taken from this coast, which will leave 200 families to be sent from Home, or to be selected from those now arriving in different parts of the colony, who might desire to go down to the special settlements. I would request, therefore, to send Home instructions to select and send out 150 families, and I would suggest that a large proportion of these should be taken from the National Agricultural Labourers' Association. In this Mr. Holloway might be able to render considerable assistance, as the details of this settlement were fully discussed with him on his recent visit to this province, and met with his warm approval. I think, also, that some Shetlanders would be suitable immigrants, as there is an abundance of fish on the coast. My attention has also been drawn to the fact that a number of Pomeranians can be obtained, and would be specially suited for such a settlement. A countrymen of theirs, Mr. Julius Matthies, who has spent a considerable time in exploring our southern country, is about returning to his home with a view of inducing a number of his countrymen to come out, and I shall be glad if you would give instructions, so that the Agent-General may avail himself of his services when at home. I believe they would make useful settlers, and a block of land might be specially reserved for them on one of the rivers." I have to request that you will endeavour to give effect to the wishes of his Honor by selecting and forwarding the emigrants he requires, viz. 150 families: these would, I presume, make up the average complement of nearly two ships, which should be despatched to Nelson, with the balance of their complement, if required, made up of single women suitable for domestic service—a class of emigrants still in great demand all over the colony. With regard to employing the services of Mr. Julius Matthies in selecting and shipping Pomeranians, I leave the matter entirely to your own discretion, and I have informed his Honor the Superintendent accordingly. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson. AT« ACK

The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 53.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 16th February, 1873. In more than one letter by this mail I have directed your attention to the remarks of surgeonsuperintendents upon the unsatisfactory character of the medical examination of emigrants before embarkation. I have now the honor to forward copies of letters received this day upon the subject by Dr. Forbos, late surgeon-superintendent of the "Dilharree;" Dr. Britain, of the "Invererne;" and Dr. Nesbitt, of the " Warwick." As in the case of the latter gentleman, relative to the manner of whose appointment I addressed you in my letter No. 51, of yesterday's date,* you will observe that Dr. Britain also obtained his appointment through Moore and Co., of St. Mary Axe, upon payment of a fee of £10. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure 1 in No. 46. Surgeon-Superintendent, "Invererne," to Immigration Officer, Auckland. Sir, — Auckland, 2nd February, 1875. I consider it my duty to bring before your notice what I consider a matter of the greatest importance, and that is, the very inefficient manner in which the emigrants are examined medically before sailing. In my instructions, I was told to examine them all at the depot. I went there, and found the passengers of several vessels mixed together, a great many out, and some not there at all; therefore it was impossible for me to do my duty, and I had not time to call at the office about it. I consider they ought all to be thoroughly examined before they go to the depot. If there were any infectious disease among them, an hour or two's intermingling would be the means of infecting others. What I would recommend is, that there should be a stated place and time for them to be examined, and that all of them should not be there at once. You also asked me how I got my appointment as surgeon. First, I went to the New Zealand Emigration Office, and was told that I could not get appointed until six or seven months afterwards. After this I went to a medical shipping agent (Moore and Co., 14J St. Mary Axe), who agreed to get the appointment for me if I would give him a commission for his trouble. I said I would do so. He procured me my appointment in less than two months, for which he charged me £10. I have, Sec, F. G. M. Britain, The Immigration Officer, Auckland. Surgeon, " Invererne." * Vide No. 72, D.—3.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 46. Surgeon-Superintendent of " Dilharree," to Immigration Officer, Auckland. Sir, — Grahamstown, 25th January, 1875. I beg to call your attention to the unsatisfactory condition in which many immigrants are sent on board at Gravesend, or elsewhere. The surgeon-superintendent is not afforded sufficient facilities or sufficient time for a thorough inspection of his future passengers ; and further, by the final inspection of tho Government Surgeon prior to the sailing of the vessel, is more or less placed in a subordinate position, and feels that no responsibility can possibly be attached to him when a superior officer passes, as healthy, persons who are half invalids. I believe the inspection previous to the commencement of the voyage to be the only way in which the health of emigrant ships can be insured, for if any contagious or infectious disease is brought on board, it is practically impossible to check its spread by any means at the surgeon's disposal. I therefore consider this inspection to be of the greatest importance, and submit that every facility should be afforded the medical officer to make it as complete and thorough as possible. I have, Sec, The Immigration Officer, Auckland. Litton Forbes.

Enclosure 3 in No. 46. The Surgeon-Superintendent, " Warwick," to Immigration Officer, Auckland. Sir, — Auckland, 31st January, 1875. I wish to call your attention to the following facts illustrating the manner in which the emigration to this colony is managed in England. I was appointed in September last to this ship, and was told at the time that I was expected to examine the emigrants at the depot the day before sailing; I w ras told notice would be given me. I heard nothing whatever after this from the AgentGeneral's Office. I found, however, the date of departure, and went to the depot, but there were only about half the emigrants there. The rest had not arrived. I examined what were present, and found them healthy. The only examination ■ the others received was passing in rotation before me at the the depdt, and again repassing me and the Government Surgeon at Gravesend. The voyage showed one case of a child recovering from wdiooping-cough, and one old man, whose age must have been nearly 60, both of whom died on the voyage. Now, Sir, it is evident that this method of examining emigrants is quite insufficient to prevent death and disease on board. I think the Government should require a more strict inquiry into the certificates given by the local practitioners, and should require them to state that there has been no infectious disease in their neighbourhood. I wish further to state the way in which I was appointed. In 1872 I wished to come to the colony, and applied to a medical agent, who procured me an appointment to the " Queen Bee " to this port. I discharged my duties to the satisfaction of the Government, and landed all my passengers alive and well. Returning in the same ship, I arrived in London in May, 1873. In July 1 applied for another to the Agent-General, and continued applying till September, always receiving unsatisfactory replies. I then procured other employment till May, 1874, when I reapplied. From that date I kept applying every few weeks till nearly October, being told all the time that surgeons were appointed for the next month, and no arrangements were made any further. I then gave the matter up and applied to the Medical Agent. He told me it was a shame, but they would never appoint surgeons except through him. In ten days I got a ship. I paid the Agent £10. Now, Sir, during those months from May to October, 1874, there were despatched from London to this colony 31 ships, with an aggregate of over 8,000 passengers. Some of the surgeons had never been to sea. Yet they could find no vacancy for one who had served tho Government well. I had been to New Zealand before ; I had been in responsible charge of 900 passengers on several occasions. lam in possession of some of the best obtainable British degrees and diplomas, and have in addition excellent testimonials. Yet, after all, my ship had less than the average number of passengers. After my appointment I applied to the Agent-General for the £50 which is given to surgeons who take a second voyage. I was told that it was more than eight months since my return. I represented that that was no fault of mine, and the clerks said inquiry would be made. I then applied by letter to Dr. Featherston at his house, but again I received no answer. Common courtesy demands a reply and justice, and the welfare of the colony as far as regards its emigrants ought to lead Government to investigate so scandalous a system. I have no proofs that the clerks at Westminster receive bribes. I was told by the Medical Agent that they received half of his fee. Besides his statement, I found my opinions on the fact that two and two make four. Some of the facts of this case I therefore beg to place before you. I have, &c, The Immigration Officer, Auckland. W. Peel Nesbitt. Memo, by Immigration Officer, Auckland, to Dr. Nesbitt, Ship "Warwick." Immigration Office, Auckland, 2nd February, 1875. In your report, received by me this day, on the subject of the medical examination of emigrants prior to embarkation in London, you mention that you were led to make application for your appointment to the "Warwick" to a medical agent. Will you be good enough to furnish me with the agent's name and address, and state whether, to your knowledge, the party in question has any official connection with the Emigration Office in London ? Dr. Nesbitt, ship " Warwick." H. Ellis.

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The Surgeon-Superintendent, "Warwick," to Immigration Officer, Auckland. Sir, — Auckland, 4th February, 1875. In reply to your letter of the 2nd instant, I bog to state that the agent's name is F. Moore ships' druggist, 14a St. Mary Axe; and the only evidence I have of his connection with the Emigration Office is, besides statements of his own and others that he showed me, a letter from Mr. Carter at Westminster, saying that he had so many vacancies for surgeons; and, on the last occasion I was at Westminster, one of the clerks stated that Moore had mentioned my name to them. I think you will find that all, or nearly all, of the surgeons who come out have obtained their appointments in a similar manner. I have, &c, The Immigration Officer, Auckland. W. Peel Nesbitt.

No. 47. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 54.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 9th March, 1875. I have the honor to forward copy of a letter from the Superintendent of Marlborough, requesting that another shipment of emigrants may be despatched direct to Picton about the end of May, and I desire that you will carry out the wishes of his Honor. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 47. His Honor the Superintendent, Marlborough, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir,— . Blenheim, 2nd March, 1875. As the immigrants who have arrived here during the last year appear to have been readily absorbed, and have not in any way affected the price of labour, I think it desirable that another shipment should be sent; but it should not arrive hero before tho spring. I have, therefore, to request that you will please instruct the Agent-General to lay on a ship for Picton, to leave about the end of May. The number of immigrants should not exceed 300, and should be mostly agricultural labourers and shepherds, and as many single women as possible. I have, &c, A. P. Seymour, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington.' Superintendent.

No. 48. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 65.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 11th March, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1986, of the 22nd December, replying in detail to Mr. Vogel's letter No. 260, of the Bth September, upon the subject of " The Immigrants Land Act, 1873." I have nothing to add to what I expressed in my letter of the 15th February ult., to the effect that, as the matter would probably be fully discussed between yourself and Mr. Vogel, it was unnecessary to prolong the correspondence upon the subject. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 49. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 66.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 11th March, 1875. Referring to my letter No. 52, of the 15th nit., I have the honor to forward herewith copy of a further letter from the Superintendent of Westland, requesting that the 150 families, ordered for the Jackson's Bay Settlement, may be sent out at the rate of not more than 25 families monthly. I fully recognise that as emigrants for Westland cannot reasonably be shipped for other ports than Nelson, Picton, and Wellington, there will necessarily be great difficulties in the way of carrying out his Honor's wishes, but I desire that you will endeavour as far as possible to do so by selecting suitable persons for the settlement, and sending them, as opportunity offers, within the limit assigned to the above-mentioned ports, with their ultimate destination endorsed upon their contract tickets. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

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Enclosure in No. 49. His Honor the Superintendent, Westland, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir,— Hokitika, 22nd February, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, noted in the margin, forwarding a copy of a letter sent to the Agent-General upon the subject of the Jackson's Bay Special Settlement, and expressing the hope that it may be satisfactory to me. Immediately on its receipt I telegraphed drawing your attention to the rate at which I had proposed tho families from Home should be introduced, seeing that, from your letter, it was probable that the full number would be sent in two vessels instead of only twenty-five families monthly ; and I trust you will be pleased to alter your instructions in this particular. I may say that upon this point I feel that special care is necessary, as the difficulties of establishing a population in bush and entirely new country are so great, that if too large a number are introduced at one time, great extra expense is certain to be entailed on the Government through having to promote additional accommodation, and having to keep the immigrants until placed on their land. With this exception, I may say that the letter is in accordance with my wishes, and I am obliged to you for again drawing the attention of the Agent-General to the great want of female immigrants here. I have, &c, James A. Bonar, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 50. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 68.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 11th March, 1875. I have the honor to forward copy of a letter from the Superintendent of Westland covering a resolution passed by the Provincial Council upon the 23rd February ultimo, as to the desirability of sending 100 female immigrants to the province at as early a date as possible. I shall be glad if you are able to give effect to the wishes of his Honor in this respect. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 50. His Honor the Superintendent, Westland, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir,— Hokitika, 24th February, 1875. I have the honor to forward herewith a copy of a resolution passed by the Provincial Council requesting me to urge upon the General Government the desirability of sending 100 female immigrants to Westland as soon as possible. As I have already pointed out to you, on more than one occasion, the great want of female immigrants in the province, it will be unnecessary for me to say any more on the subject. I have, &c, James A. Bonar, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent. Extract from Proceedings of the Provincial Council. Tuesday, 23rd February, 1875. Ordered, on tho motion of Mr. Houlahan—" That His Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to urge upon the General Government the desirability of sending 100 female immigrants to the Province of AVestland at as early a date as possible."

No. 51. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 74.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 13th March, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Coster, the Chairman of the New Zealand Shipping Company, has handed me officially a copy of a letter addressed by him to you, dated London, the 7th April, 1874, in which he remarks at length upon the subject of the alleged combination between his company and other shipping firms connected with the colony, and the various offers made by him with the view of coming to some reasonable arrangement with you for the conveyance of our emigrants. I must confess my surprise that you did not forward this communication to the Government, with your reasons for not entertaining the proposals of the company. Upon these points I shall be glad of an explanation. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson. 4—D. 1.

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(Copy of letter referred to above.) Mr. Coster to the Agent-General. Sir,— London, 7th April, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 30th ultimo, intimating that arrangements between the New Zealand Government and this company for the conveyance of emigrants will cease on the 30th instant. In accepting your notification, and having regard to the fact that you speak of a combination between ourselves, Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co., and Messrs. Galbraith, Stringer, Pembroke, and Co., I think it necessary, in fairness to the London management of this company, to place on record the position which has been taken up with you in this matter. Early in January, or the close of December, you received a telegram from the Government instructing that their business should be divided in stated proportions between the three firms and companies trading to the colony. The wisdom of this course must have been apparent to you, for it was evident that no one firm or company could alone and unassisted supply your largely increased requirements for passenger space at certainly anything like a reasonable rate of passage money; and even if suitable vessels could be procured as wanted, the light cargo necessary for their loading would not be forthcoming. A division of the work was therefore agreed upon, and it was arranged between yourself and Mr. Turner, on behalf of this company, that our contract of June last should determine with February. The March ships Mr. Turner, I have been given to understand, declined in the first instance to find for you at £14 10s., but subsequently consented to do so to enable you to communicate with the colony, and be prepared for a higher rate thereafter. In due course it became necessary to arrange for the continuation of the service, commencing with the month of April. Mr. Turner and myself made our calculations, and found that, in the then existing state of the shipping, provision, and labour markets, the company could not remuneratively carry the New Zealand Government emigrants under £16 to £16 10s. On Monday, the 16th February, I saw you and repeated what had many times previously been told you—viz. that from the causes stated we could not in the future carry at the same rate as in the past —and made an appointment for Mr. Turner and myself to see you at 10.30 on the following Wednesday morning. (I should like at this point to express to you my sense of, and gratitude for, the urbanity, courtesy, and general kindness which you have ever show7n to me during the many occasions on which I have had to trespass upon your time.) On the next afternoon, Tuesday, I was astonished to hear from our rivals that an appointment had heen made for the representatives of the three firms and companies to meet you at your office at halfpast 10 on Wednesday morning, that being the precise hour at which I had arranged for the interview between yourself, Mr. Turner, and myself ! So soon as we could leave the City, Mr. Turner and myself proceeded to Westmister Chambers, but did not reach there till 7 o'clock, to find you gone, probably for the day. We left word that we would call the next morning at 10 o'clock, and did so call, hoping to see you before our rivals kept their appointment: however, they arrived before yourself. Still you were good enough to give us a few seconds before admitting them, but opportunity was not offered for more than our again intimating to you that we could not see our way to carrying at the old rates, but that, whatever view the others might take, you might rely on the New Zealand Shipping Company not to see either yourself or the Government put in a strait, so far as our power and ability would go. The combination interview, which was not of our seeking, but was understood to have been arranged by yourself, took place. The questions of conditions and duration of the proposed new divided contract were discussed, and one of those present quoted a passage rate of £16 10s. on the old guaranteed numbers. On behalf of this company I offered to carry at £16, provided the minimum number guaranteed for the ports of Wellington, Canterbury (Lyttelton), and Port Chalmers, was made 250 for each ship, which I understood would be no objection. The representatives of the other firms said they would do the same. You intimated your determination not to pay such a price, and Mr. Turner and myself went away, leaving Mr. Galbraith, Mr. Savill, and Mr. Temple in your room. I again saw you on the 18th and 19th, and made you propositions on behalf of the company. This was near the end of February, remember, and we were under no engagements to find ships for April. The March ships had only been supplied pending the adjustment of a fresh contract, under protest, as it were, by Mr. Turner. I laid before you our calculation of the cost of carrying emigrants, as furnished me by Mr. Turner from his experience, showing that with the then ruling prices £16 was barely remunerative, for your information ; begged you to verify the calculations by reference to competent authorities in the City ; and made you the following alternative offers, with the view of preventing a stoppage of emigration, and to give you another chance of referring to the colony with the knowledge and experience you had gained: — 1. To carry our proportion of the emigrants for April at a price to be fixed in the colony, a proper consideration to be named for legal purposes. 2. To hand over for your benefit the charters we have effected, and to act as your brokers in dealing with the ships, and to effect on the best terms obtainable such other charters as might be required, we finding you the light cargo needful for their loading, at the current increased rates of freight, either you supplying the emigrants food and requirements and fitting up the ships, or we doing so on your account: all discounts, percentages, Sec, to be returned to you, and we to charge you only the customary brokerage of 5 per cent. These offers you at once declined. Eventually I jotted down in your room the following proposal, which it seemed to me would certainly prevent the tide of emigration from being abruptly stopped, whilst equally with the other propositions it would show the good faith and good intentions of this company, viz., — 1. To provide the April ships required by the Agent-General, pending a reference to the colony; 250 guaranteed each Wellington, Dunedin, Lyttelton; 150 other ports ; nominal rates, those paid for March, but subject to adjustment as follows: — 2. If the offer of £16 is rejected, and the Government carry on their own emigration, then the

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April ships to be paid for at the rates the May ships cost the Government, class and conditions being equal. 3. If the offer of £16 is accepted hereafter, then that price shall be paid for the April ships. 4. If the Government decide to discontinue emigration, then the rates for April to stand the same as those for March. The proposals, you were aware, were applicable, as were the others also, only to our agreed proportion of the emigrants, more than which we could not undertake on anything like the terms, from not possessing the control of an adequate quantity of light cargo for loading more ships, whilst you had no dead weight either for Wellington or Canterbury ; but I told you that if you decided to accept them, I would endeavour to get the Albion Shipping Company and Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co. to agree to carry their proportions on the same terms. You telegraphed your acceptance of the first two and rejection of the last two in the following terms : —" Won't entertain your two last conditions, and won't telegraph them to the colony. Will agree to two first proposals." I was content without this, and accordingly accepted your decision, and saw Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co., and Mr. Galbraith, who readily agreed to do the same with regard to their proportions rather than allow an involuntary cessation of emigration. I advised you that they would do so, and I presume they both stand with regard to the April ships in the same position as we do, viz. to provide the April ships required by the AgentGeneral, pending a reference to the colony ; 250 guarantee each Wellington, Dunedin, Lyttelton; 150 other ports; nominal rates, those paid for March, but subject to adjustment at follows :—lf the offer of £16 is accepted hereafter, then that price shall be paid for the April ships. Before concluding this letter, I think it right to remind you once more that the South Australian Government has recently paid £16 16s. for emigrants to Adelaide, and the New South Wales Government a somewhat similar rate, I understand, to Sydney, and that both have experienced great difficulty in getting their emigrants carried even at those rates, although their respective conditions are far less exacting and expensive than those of the New Zealand Government, and less provisions required to be put on board, whilst it is a fact that owners of ships will charter to Australia at fully ss. to 10s. a register ton, or £250 to £500 per 1,000-ton ship, less than they will to any New Zealand port. In conclusion, I beg to state emphatically that the New Zealand Shipping Company have not been, are not, and I trust will not in the future be, parties to any combination which has for its object the demanding of excessive rates of freight or passage money, either from the public at large or the Government which you represent. I have, &c, J. L. Coster, For the New Zealand Shipping Company, Limited. The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 52. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 76.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 13th March, 1875. It has come to my knowledge that certain immigrants by the ship " Ocean Mail" left the colony in Her Majesty's ship " Blanche," having shipped as seamen on board of that vessel. As seafaring men, as a class, are not at all likely to settle in the country, and have such constant opportunities of resuming their proper avocation on board ship in our several ports, I think it inadvisable that they should bo allowed, except married men under special circumstances, to take advantage of the regulations for giving free passages which are at present in force. You will therefore be good enough to give instructions accordingly. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 53. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 79.) Sir,— Immigration Office, Wellington, 16th March, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 6, of the 12th January, 1875, with enclosures, and to thank you for the full information afforded therein relative to the loss of the " Cospatrick," and the display of public sympathy evoked by that deplorable event throughout the United Kingdom. The action you report to have taken in the matter entirely meets the approval of the Government, who feel sure that, in contributing the amount of £1,000 to the relief fund, you adopted a course which will commend itself to the people of the colony, who most deeply sympathize with the poor women and children bereaved by this terrible calamity. 1 await with anxiety the result of the inquiry by the Board of Trade, which you inform me has been instituted, and which it gives me satisfaction to learn is to be of so full and complete a character. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

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No. 54. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 89.) Sir,— Wellington, 16th April, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 5, 10th January, 1875, and to say, in reply, that it appeared to me to be of so unbecoming a character that I felt it my duty to bring it under the notice of my colleagues. The question having been carefully considered, the Government decided to have expunged from the Public Records of the colony the record of your letter No. 5, dated 10th January, 1875, and it has been expunged accordingly. I have therefore to return your letter, and to point out what I should have thought must be very obvious —that it will be quite impossible to carry on the public business of the colony if such suggestions, whether reasonable or unreasonable, as those contained in my predecessor's letter No. 181, dated 29th June, 1874, are to be met and treated by you as they have been in the letter herewith returned. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 55. The Hon. W. H. Reynolds to the Agent-General. (No. 96.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 9th April, 1875. I have the honor to ackowledge the receipt of your letter No. 64, dated 22nd January ultimo, transmitting a letter from your Despatching Officer, covering his remarks in reply to various subjects contained in the reports on certain emigrant ships w 7hich have arrived in the colony, and upon the new dietary scale ordered in my letter No. 338, of 18th November, 1874. I desire to call your attention to the printed copy of the new dietary scale which is appended to Mr. Smith's letter. In schedule B there appears a very grave error. Instead of the schedule as forwarded in my letter of 18th November being substituted for the* old schedule, according to my instructions, it is embodied with it in such a way as to make the dietary scale absurdly large for infants under one year. I append a copy of the schedule as it should be under the instructions referred to. I find, on looking over the draft of the letter No. 338, 1874, that a mistake occurred in schedule C, as forwarded to you, the supply of Liebig's extract of meat having inadvertently been omitted. I have, Sec, William H. Reynolds, (in the absence of the Minister for Immigration). The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 56. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 105.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, Ist May, 1875. Referring to your letter No. 81, of the 9th February, relative to the lunatic immigrants who have arrived in Otago, copy of which was forwarded to his Honor the Superintendent, I have the honor to transmit copy of a memorandum upon the subject addressed to Mr. Macandrew by the Immigration Officer. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 56. Immigration Officer, Dunedin, to His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Sir, — Dunedin, 14th April, 1875. Two female immigrants, M A T and A A , w 7ho arrived in the ship " Christian McAusland," were both insane on the ship's arrival in port. The former, T , was very violent, and had to be watched both day and night. The insanity of A A was more of a melancholy type. In my memorandum No. 372, of sth January ultimo, addressed to your Honor, referring to four female immigrants who were consigned to the Lunatic Asylum on their arrival —viz., Mrs. S , per " Buckinghamshire "; C S , per " Otago "; A A , per " Christian McAusland "; M A- T , per " Christian McAusland " —I stated that there was sufficient proof adduced that the two former were insane some time before leaving Britain, but as to A— 1— and T there were no such proofs, and consequently the two latter could not be shipped to Britain with any show of reason. As regards the assertion that M A T showed symptoms of insanity before leaving the depot in London, my informants were her own sister wdio accompanied her, and other female immigrants by the same ship. Her eccentricities however did not, at that time, assume the form of insanity, which developed itself when a few weeks at sea. She has now quite recovered her reason, after having been five months in the Asylum, and is filling the situation of a domestic servant. I have, &c, Colin Allan, His Honor the Superintendent of Otago. Immigration Officer.

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No. 57. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist May, 1875. "Tower," "Fritz Reuter," "Aberdare," "Timaru," "Davie," "Fox," "Fernglen." Send Scandinavians to Wellington only until further advised. Featherston, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 58. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 112.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 6th May, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 139, of the Bth March, in which you inform me that Captain 11. Kitchener, who is coming to this colony via Melbourne, intends applying to the Government, upon his arrival in New Zealand, for the value of steerage passages for two female servants he is bringing with him. The instructions of the Government affecting this application were conveyed to you in Mr. Vogel's letter No. 54, of 12th March, 1874, wdiich states that the Government would be prepared to make an allowance in such eases to the extent of a refund of half a contract steerage passage, but only upon certain conditions, one of which was that the passages taken should be direct to the colony. Upon consideration of the whole question, however, the Government have decided that this allowance will not for the future be granted to persons bringing out servants simply for their own convenience. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 59. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 120.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 10th May, 1875. I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of correspondence with his Honor A. P. Seymour, Superintendent of Marlborough, who, being about to visit England, offers his services to assist in procuring suitable emigrants for his province, and I have to request that you will co-operate with his Honor, and afford him every facility for carrying out his wishes. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 59. Correspondence between the Superintendent, Marlborough, and the Minister for Immigration. Sir,— Picton, 3rd May, 1875. I am compelled to visit England immediately, and I propose to leave by next mail via San Francisco, and to return in December next. It is during the period of this visit that the AgentGeneral has been instructed to provide a shipment of immigrants for Picton direct. I trust I may not be making an improper request, if I ask you to authorize me to communicate with him, whilst I am in England, with regard to these immigrants, and I think I may be of some service in inducing suitable persons to emigrate from that part of the country (Devonshire) where my friends reside and which will be my head-quarters. I have, &c, A. P. Seymour. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Superintendent. (Telegram.) Wellington, Bth May, 1875. I shall be very glad to avail myself of your services in England, and will instruct Agent-General, by mail, to communicate with you. The Superintendent, Blenheim. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 60. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 123.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 10th May, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 138, of the 9th March ultimo, in which, with reference to my representations of the objections to sending emigrants to other ports than those nearest their final destination, you remark that you desire to point out that you are compelled to send many nominated and other emigrants in this way, on account of the difficulty constantly experienced in obtaining vessels to sail direct for certain ports of the colony ; and instance

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the cases of emigrants for Nelson, Marlborough, Westland, and Taranaki. lam fully aware that, in these cases, sending the emigrants by direct ships is not always in your power to arrange, and I had no wish to embarrass you with restrictions in the matter: my remarks had reference solely to cases that have occurred, when, for instance, emigrants for Auckland have been sent out in Otago ships, or vice versa, when, by other arrangements, the heavy expense of transhipment in the colony might have been avoided. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 61. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 125.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 11th May, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 26, of the 9th March ultimo, having reference to the report of the Commissioners upon the ship " Howrah." With regard to your remarks relative to permitting full paying passengers to proceed in Government emigrant ships, I am glad to find that it is your practice to require undertakings from all such persons that they will comply with and submit to the regulations of the Government, and the rules and directions of the surgeon-superintendent. This to a great extent appears to me to obviate what gave rise .to the recommendations of Immigration Commissioners in this case, and I would only further add, to what I have already expressed in my letter No. 377 of 23rd December last upon this subject, that I think it would be desirable that steerage passengers paying their own passages should do so, if it can he arranged, through your office, and so prevent the possibility of their taking any other position on board ships than that of ordinary emigrants ; and with regard to first and second class passengers, I would suggest that these also should be subject to your approval before their passages are secured to them. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 62. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 144.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 7th June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 202, of the 19th March ultimo, forwarding copy of a communication addressed to you by Dr. Darcy Sinnamon, the local agent at Portadown, on the subject of the assistance granted to emigrants by the Queensland Government. Mr. Sinnamon does not absolutely state, but certainly seems to imply, that he, as agent for the New Zealand Government, has no power to advance money to intending emigrants for their passage to a port of embarkation, and outfit. As in my predecessor's telegram of 11th October, 1873, you were instructed to authorize where necessary these advances, and I am aware have done so in many cases, I am at a loss to understand the position taken by this officer. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 63. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 145.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 7th June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 219, of 6th April, forwarding Mr..Kirchner's report of his emigration operations for the year 1874, which I have read with very great interest. 2. I have given careful consideration to Mr. Kirchner's remarks with reference to a translation of the New Zealand Handbook, but I am of opinion, and I think you will agree with me, that in the probable contingency of not continuing to encourage German emigration, the expenditure is unnecessary. 3. I shall be happy to receive, for distribution amongst the German immigrants, any letters for them which may be forwarded by Mr. Kirchner, and I will cause immigration officers to be instructed to receive in return all letters which the immigrants may wish to send home through the Government. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 64. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 151.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 7th June, 1875. The Hon. the Premier has notified to the Government his intention, previously to his leaving England, of making arrangements with you as to the conduct of emigration during the ensuing financial

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year; under these circumstances, I desire that, should, as may possibly occur, any instructions transmitted from here be found to conflict with what may have been so arranged, that you will, unless specially advised to the contrary, act in accordance with the latter. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 65. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 152.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 7th June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 240, of the 15th April, 1875, in which you enclose a copy of a communication you have addressed to the President of the Board of Trade, suggesting certain amendments in " The Imperial Passengers Act, 1855," having special reference to the propriety of increasing the number of articles to be classed as combustibles, and so excluded from forming part of the cargo of emigrant ships. The Government entirely approve of the course you have taken in this matter, and trust that it may result in such amendments of the law as may give further security against the recurrence of such a melancholy accident as the burning of a ship at sea. Pending the legislation indicated, I feel confident that you will, in your arrangements with the shipping companies, take such precautions as will prevent the shipping of dangerous material on board ships conveying emigrants to the colony. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 66. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 159.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 30th June, 1875. I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a letter from his Honor the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay relative to immigration to that province, upon which I despatched to you the telegraphic message of which a copy is also enclosed ; and I shall be obliged by your making arrangements to meet, as far as is consistent with your general arrangements, the wish of his Honor. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure 1 in No. 66. His Honor the Superintendent, Hawke's Bay, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Napier, 9th June, 1875. I have the honor to address you in reference to immigration to this province. I believe the " Countess of Kintore," which vessel arrived here yesterday, brought the last shipment the AgentGeneral had to send to complete the number ordered for Hawke's Bay. The immigrants that have been received have, on the whole, been of a satisfactory class, and have been readily absorbed. Had they arrived at the time of year the Agent-General was directed to arrange to send them, it would have been better for the immigrants and more suited to the requirements of the district: what I mean is that had the hulk of the immigrants arrived during the busy season of the year their labour would have been more valuable to the settlers, and the immigrants themselves would have had time to get settled before winter. My present object in writing is to ask that instructions may be sent to the Agent-General to despatch full immigrant ships to this province, so as to arrive in each of the months of October, November, December, and January; and I am certain that the province can advantageously absorb say from 1,200 to 1,500 immigrants during the coming year, and if it could be arranged for them to arrive at the season I have named it would be very suitable. I would suggest that the Agent-General should be requested to send in each ship a good proportion of single girls and single men, and to avoid sending large families of young children, as the difficulty in finding places for people so circumstanced is very great. I have, &c, J. D. Ormond, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent.

Enclosure 2 in No. 66. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (Telegram). Wellington, 30th June, 1875. " Kintore," "Zetland," "Dunedin," "Hindostan," "Cicero," "Wennington," "Tintern," "Hannibal." Ormond wants emigrants to arrive October, November, December, January. Featherston, London. Atkinson.

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No. 67. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Agent-General. Sir, — London, 7th April, 1875. I have just learned, with great surprise, that a number of emigrants for Taranaki, Nelson, and Westland are being sent to Wellington. 2. Nothing is more clear than that such a mode of forwarding emigrants is opposed to the instructions sent to you from the colony; and, in addition, it is one which is calculated to be very costly. 3. I believe I communicated to you, after my arrival in Europe, asking you not to make any fresh arrangements for shipping without consulting me; and I understood that you had meanwhile made arrangements for your ordinary necessities only. I have been so much occupied, and so unwell, since I arrived in London, that I have not been able to go into the matter with you as I should desire; but, at the same time, I have been under the impression that you were not making any but ordinarily necessary shipping arrangements, and that you were not departing from your instructions. 4. I have several times spoken to you about Taranaki, and have expressed the desire that emigrants for that province should be sent out direct. 5. I write this letter in order to place on record the fact that the information as to the intended despatch of these emigrants, which I have received from Mr. Carter, has been to me wholly a surprise. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Julius Vogel.

No. 68. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Agent-General. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir— 9th April, 1875. I have delayed acknowledging the copy, which you sent me, of your letter of November 25th, 1874, on the subject of Mr. Cashei Hoey, until the Minister for Immigration, to whom the original was addressed, has requested me to deal with the matter to which it refers. It is desirable to place on record a reply to your letter. 2. I have not the papers before me, but I have no difficulty in explaining from memory the facts which seem to cause you so much anxiety. 3. The principle laid down in the Colonial Secretary's letter of 2nd August had reference to the appointment of a Private Secretary. You speak of the officer as " Confidential Secretary." If that was the term used, it was meant to designate only a Private Secretary. The Government would still, I believe, be of opinion that you should select the officer. In the subsequent telegrams which you quote, the Government understood the reference to be to a Private Secretary: in one of them, indeed, the words are expressly used. 4. It seems, by your letter, that when you telegraphed on the 20th February, you had Mr. Cashei Hoey's appointment in view, but merely asked permission to give £600 for salary of secretary. I must express the opinion that it would have been better then that you had stated your intention. I presume you are not unaware of the controversy which Mr. Hoey's appointment to the Victorian Agency caused in the colony of Victoria. 5. The reply sent you on the 2nd April was considered by the Cabinet. The condition that the appointment was to be temporary was imposed because the Government thought it probable that extensive alterations wrould be found desirable in your department, and did not wish new permanent engagements made. It was even then thought that, if it was decided to provide you with an officer to fill a position analogous to that of Under Secretary, a Private Secretary might be unnecessary. 6. The reply to your subsequent telegram about Mr. Cashei Hoey was considered by the Government. I may observe that Ido not agree w 7ith you that it released you from the previous instruction concerning a month's notice. You complain that the reply said nothing about Mr. Hoey. The omission was not accidental. The Government did not wish to recall your freedom to choose your own Private Secretary, subject to the conditions already laid down. I may, however, observe that Ministers did take into consideration whether they should prohibit Mr. Hoey's appointment, but came to the conclusion that it was unnecessary to do so, because you stated he required a salary of £600 a year, and they thought that the refusal to allow anything like that salary was sufficient. The reason w 7hy they were inclined to stop Mr. Hoey's appointment was, because they believed that that gentleman sought a much more permanent and influential appointment than they were prepared to sanction. Mr. Hoey, though nominally Private Secretary to the Victorian Agency, held an appointment more in the nature of Acting Agent-General. Mr. Childers was not able to give his whole time to the office, and Sir J. McCulloch only accepted the appointment temporarily. Your ow 7n letter bears out this view. Private Secretaries do not receive special votes of thanks from Governments ; and you point to qualifications beyond those required by a Private Secretary. Although the Government were willing, under the conditions named, you should select your own Private Secretary, they were, of course, not inclined to waive the responsibility of appointing an officer who would possess, or be likely to assume, much larger powers than they considered attached to a Private Secretary's office. In their opinion, Mr. Hoey's want of knowledge of New Zealand disqualified him from exercising, in the New Zealand Agency, the powers he exercised in the Victorian Agency. 7. My telegram to you from Melbourne was caused by my noticing in the papers of that city a telegraphic report about Mr. Hoey's engagement. As you had not advised it, I thought it might be a rumour, and I telegraphed that which was really my opinion—that with Mr. Kennaway's aid you would not require Mr. Hoey's. 8. So much by way of explaining the circumstances to which your letter refers. 1 may add, that though I do not concur in the claims which you seem to consider Mr. Hoey possesses, I am willing that he should continue to hold the position of Private Secretary until the Government have considered

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the matter: on the condition that his position is that of Private Secretary, and that he exercises no powers beyond those of a Private Secretary. It may be, if you think a Private Secretary is necessary, that the Government will sanction his continuing to hold the office. You will excuse me from committing the Government on the point. 9. With respect to Mr. Kennaway's appointment to act under you, as the head of the department, I have only to observe that the Government consider it a necessary appointment. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel.

No. 69. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Agent-General. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 12th April, 1875. Several papers have been lately laid before me showing how important it is that you should exercise discretion in granting passages to persons nominated as emigrants. 2. The nominations sent to you are those received by officers of the department in different parts of the colony ; and they are forwarded to you without substantial revision by the Immigration Department. The intention is (as has been clearly laid down in letters sent to you), that you shall exercise a discretion whether or not to grant passages to those who are so recommended. 3. Mr. Ottywell, acting upon instructions from Mr. Kennaway, recently laid before me some papers on the subject; and I suggested to Mr. Ottywell to draft a revised form of advice to persons nominated, which should show upon its face that, unless you approved of nominees, you were not bound to provide passages for them : in fact, that those nominated were just as subject to approval by you as any ordinary applicant for a passage to the colony. 4. Mr. Ottywell has forwarded to me the attached form, as prepared by him for submission to Mr. Kennaway. 5. I think it is certainly an improvement on the present form; and I should therefore recommend your immediately adopting it. I would advise, however, that you should not have a large number printed, as I am thinking of suggesting to you important alterations in the form of the certificate. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Julius Vogel.

No. 70. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Agent-General. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir— I,sth April, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that on Friday, April 9th, I received a telegram from New Zealand, informing me that the Cabinet had considered your Despatch No. 5, of the 10th January, on the subject of the " Scimitar," and had come to the conclusion not to allow it to be recorded, on account of its intolerably disrespectful nature. I have, <fee, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Julius Vogel.

No. 71. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Agent-General. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 24th April, 1875. My attention has been directed to four despatches —numbered 1663, of 23rd September ; 1956, of 15th December ; 1986, of 22nd December, 1874 ; and 52, of 22nd January, 1875 —upon the subject of the Immigrants' Land Act, in reply to communications of mine on the same subject. 2. In those letters, you make the utmost of the fact (and it is natural you should do so) that the advertisement of which 1 complained was attached to one of my despatches to you. It is quite true that it was so, and that I stated, " I have to suggest that you publish immediately in the papers a notice to the effect of the one appended hereto." That advertisement I afterwards censured, because of its not mentioning that tho land grants were conditional. lam willing to allow you all the satisfaction you derive from the fact that I suggested the advertisement. 3. It is desirable I should review the intention and spirit of the communications which have been made to you about the Immigrants' Land Act, since, in the mass of analytical criticism to which you have subjected them, the purpose to be gained may be lost sight of. 4. On the 21st October, 1873, I forwarded you the Act, with a letter warmly recommending it to your especial attention. I distinctly stated that all emigrants would have to be approved by you, and I called your attention to the conditions as to occupation and cultivation. lam still of opinion that you did not realise the spirit and intention of the Act, and of the Government's instructions. This was the feeling w 7hich prompted me to write the two despatches of Ist July, 1874, and Bth September, to which yours are replies. The Government saw with dismay your inclination to give recommenda5—D. 1.

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tions or certificates to whosoever applied for them. Some of the cases recommended or approved seemed to them preposterously opposed to the intention of the Act. Your letters in reply are very argumentative, but they do not do away with the claims which have arisen through your rendering of the Act. The proof of your total misconception of the course you should take was supplied in the conversations between us on the subject, before I saw the copies of the despatches to which I am now replying. I stated to you my opinion that it would be desirable that regulations should be drawn out, to show generally the persons who were eligible to be considered suitable emigrants. You replied that you were convinced you had no option —that the Act was so drawn that it was incumbent on you to continue to give certificates to those w 7ho complied with the formalities of the Act. You would only concur in regulations for guiding your selection upon my obtaining legal advice on the subject. In consequence, I was obliged to obtain that advice. In your letter of the 15th December, you say you will strictly adhere to the instructions I had given you, which instructions were that you should exercise discretion. lam aware that this assurance on your part was inconsistent with your statement to me that you had no power to exercise discretion. As far as lam aware, you acted on the opinions expressed to me personally, rather than upon the instructions to exercise discretion. 5. You raise another difficulty on account of my having instructed you not to give certificates to persons who had already paid their passages, whilst the form of the certificate requires the production of the passage receipt. I really think you should endeavour to understand my meaning. There can he no question that what I meant was, that you should not give certificates to persons who had already paid their passages before asking you to approve of them as " suitable emigrants." The very nature of my letter supplied this meaning, for the first principle laid down was, " That land was to be given as a real inducement to those who might otherwise not be disposed to emigrate to New Zealand." I gave you the instruction because I found you disposed to give certificates to persons who paid their passages before .applying to you, and who meant to go to the colony whether or not they received grants. 6. With respect to your despatch of December 22nd, I have to observe that you seem to have misunderstood the nature of the objections to which you were replying. For example, the objection to the course you adopted with Mr. D. U'Ren was, not that you failed to give him a certificate, but that you forw 7arded the application with the recommendation to the Government to favourably consider it. You virtually admit, in your despatch of the 22nd December, that Mr. U'Ren had no more claim than the people who went to New Zealand with Captain Cook. 7. I do not understand how you could consider that the intention of taking advantage of the Act influenced iv emigrating to the colony the " Otago settler," who went to that province ten years previous to the passing of the Act. 8. The way in which, generally, you remark upon the precis of cases, appears to me to be open to much complaint. You assume that it was sent without being duly considered. Most of your remarks upon the precis are met by the observations with which it was accompanied in my letter of the Bth September, as follows : —" I attach a schedule of applications for land, which have been received here, and from which it seems that anyone about to sail for the colony, whose passage has been paid, has had only to send to you a letter asking for a recommendation, in order to induce you to give it; that you have not generally considered the granting of a certificate necessary; but that you have given certificates in cases so anomalous that I am at a loss to understand how you could have given them." I then cited the case of Mr. Passmore. You have chosen to be very severe and facetious upon the case in the schedule which was referred to as that of the father-in-law of the new Head Master of the College. You have assumed that the objection to this gentleman was, that he was a father-in-law; and, following the not very novel device of raising a supposititious case, you have managed to insinuate that I "father a frivolous plea," and that my letter should be "treated with either suspicion of my motives or doubt of my capacity." If you will have the goodness to read the paper again, you will see that the reference to the gentleman being a father-in-law was meant to help in describing who he was, the officer probably not remembering, at the moment, the name. The supposition that the objection was to the fact of the gentleman being a father-in-law is so preposterous, that I cannot understand how you could reconcile it to yourself to write at such length upon it. All that the officer implies is, that this gentleman was not a " suitable emigrant," within the terms of the Act. Probably, this is one of many cases in which the applicant intended to go to the colony in any event, and, therefore, in which we should be giving away land unnecessarily. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Julius Vogel.

(Legal Opinion Referred to Above.) Messrs. J. Mackrell and Co. to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel. Sir, — 21, Cannon Street, London, 2nd March, 1875. Re " The Immigrants' Land Act, 1873." In reply to your inquiry as to the powers of the Government and the Agent-General to determine as to who are or not suitable immigrants, we beg to advise — Ist. That the Agent-General is entitled to exercise his judgment as to who are or are not suitable immigrants. 2nd. That "no authority is given to the Government to instruct the Agent-General as to how he shall exercise his judgment, but he would doubtless be guided by the views of his Government upon the subject;" and 3rd. That there is no objection to conditions being prepared and published, as a guide to persons desiring to know whether or not they would be suitable immigrants, but such conditions should appear to'emanate from and be published by the Agent-General. We return the print of the Act. We have, Sec, The Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, C.M.G. John Mackrell and Co.

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No. 72. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Agent-General. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 29th April, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of April 21st, in reply to mine of April 7th, respecting the despatch to Wellington of emigrants for Taranaki, Nelson, and Westland. 2. It is impossible for me to enter into a lengthy correspondence upon this subject. I will forward your letter to the Minister for Immigration; and I am far from saying that he will not be satisfied with the explanation you give. 3. I must, however, say that the passages you quote from my letter of October, 1873, were meant to be exceptional in their operation; and I must remind you that since the date of that letter express and strict instructions have been given to you on the subject of the Taranaki and Nelson emigration. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Julius Vogel.

No. 73, The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Agent-General. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir— 4th May, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 28th April, in reply to mine of 15th April. 2. I am sorry you should defend a despatch concerning wdiich, as I informed you, such an expression of opinion had been telegraphed to me. That expression of opinion was made without any previous communication with me. 3. You allege that your despatch could not have been disrespectful, because it was not intended to be so. You will allow me to suggest to you, that habitually regarding with suspicion, and something allied to contempt, the instructions and recommendations sent to you from the colony, may lead you into disrespectful communications without your specially intending to give them that character. On looking over the original despatch to which yours was a reply, I observed, amongst other notes, the words " absolutely absurd," in your handwriting, opposite a passage which it contained. Putting on one side the fact of your making such a note to a document which remains a record of your department, it is not unnatural that your reply, based on such a note, should take the character of which the Cabinet complains. 4. As you have raised the question, I have no hesitation in saying that I think your letter was most disrespectful. In explanation of this opinion, I may state that I think the tendency to object to anything proposed by the Government, and the disposition to seize particular points of letters instead of the broad and general meaning, and, ignoring the context, to found upon such points pages of unnecessary writing, are evidences of disrespect, whether intentional or not. In scarcely any of your lengthy letters do you take a fair view of the communications to which you are replying. In the letter in question, you would have saved yourself great trouble if you would have observed that, in forwarding you the recommendations of the Royal Commission concerning an exhaustive medical examination, I used the words, " This points to a complete reform in the present system of medical inspection. Of the necessity of a reform I have no doubt; but whether it should take the exact form recommended by the Commissioners is a question upon which I am not prepared immediately to give an opinion. I desire, however, that you will give the matter your very earnest consideration, and lose no time in taking such steps as may most commend themselves to your judgment, in order to prevent, in future, the grave consequences of insufficient medical examination and inspection of the immigrants." If, instead of waiting pages on the subject, you had said you were of opinion that some of the features of a life assurance or recruit examination were objectionable, and that you would therefore modify the proposal, whilst at the same time endeavouring to make the examination something more than a form, it would have been clear that you desired to meet the wishes of the Government. Instead of that, you threw ridicule on the proposal, and showed no disposition to remedy the entirely unsatisfactory medical examinations of which complaints had so often been made. 5. Similarly, you gave yourself great trouble about the recommendation concerning the children's mess. The practice of having a separate mess for children, so far as first-class passengers are concerned, exists in the best steam lines; and, both in respect of the nature of the food and the mode of cooking it, the plan is at once a boon to the children and a convenience to the parents. Your laboured attempt to see in the proposal an insult to the female immigrants and a violation of the duties and rights of maternity seems to me utterly wanting in justification. 6. I shall forward a copy of this correspondence to the colony. I cannot say what course my colleagues will adopt concerning it. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Julius Vogel. By Authority: Gbohge Didsbcbt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB7s. Price Is. Gd.]