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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1876 Session I, D-02

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1876. NEW ZEALAND.

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

Presented to both, Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 364.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S."W., Sib, — 10th June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th April, No. 90, enclosing copy of a letter from his Honor the Superintendent of Otago, inquiring whether a receipt given by a person described as the Aberdeen agent of the shipping firm of Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., for the cost of a passage from Glasgow to Otago (of which a copy is appended to his Honor's letter), is to be regarded as a certificate under " The Immigrants Land Act, 1873." In reply, I have to state, for the information of his Honor, that the form of certificate to be used by the Agent-General, or other person appointed by him for that purpose, under " The Immigrants Land Act, 1873," is prescribed in the regulations issued by the Government at "Wellington in May, 1874, of which I append a copy ; and further, that the only person authorized by me to issue such certificates in Scotland is Mr. Andrew, the Provincial Agent of Otago, who has no authority from me to delegate his functions to the agents of Messrs. P. Henderson or to any one else. 2. With reference to your inquiry whether it is with my " sanction that Messrs. P. Henderson and Co. have signed and issued documents which are evidently considered by emigrants to be certificates under the Act referred to," I beg to state that I have not authorized Messrs. Henderson to issue certificates under the Act; and that I have not seen or heard of any documents signed and issued by them of the kind described : that moreover, in the copy of the receipt for passage money, purporting to have been issued by Mr. John Cook, of Aberdeen, and appended to Superintendent Macandrew's letter, I cannot perceive that there is, as a matter of fact, any reference whatsoever, direct or indirect, to the Immigrants Land Act. I feel quite sure that a firm of the respectable character of Messrs. P. Henderson and Co. would not issue, or suffer its agents to issue, certificates having a tendency to deceive their passengers in such a way. But I have thought it right, as the charge has been made, to send them a copy of your letter, and ask for an explanation. I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Agent-General.

No. 2. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigbation. (No. 410.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 11th June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 10th April, No. 89, informing me that, in consequence of the unbecoming character of my letter of the 10th Januai'y, No. 5, you had thought it necessary to bring it under the consideration of the Government, and that they had in consequence directed that the record of it should be erased and the letter returned to me. 2. I have already submitted to the Government my correspondence with the Hon. the Premier on this subject, to which I have nothing to add. 3. I am induced to hope that the very full and candid explanations which I have given on the subject may induce the Government to reconsider its decision, and to allow a letter, written on very mature consideration of the important questions referred to me, to take its place in the records of your department. "With this view, I have the honor, with the utmost respect, to transmit another copy of my letter of the 10th January, No. 5, for the further consideration of the Government. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington. Agent-General. I—D. 2.

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No. 3. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. (No. 430.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 24th June, 1875. In continuation of my letter of 10th June, No. 364,1 have the honor to enclose you copy of a letter which I have received from Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., with a copy also of its enclosure, being a letter from the Aberdeen agent of the firm, who, it was alleged, had issued receipts for passages to New Zealand which were considered by emigrants to be certificates under the Immigrants Land Act. As I anticipated, Messrs. Henderson absolutely deny the imputation that they have either issued or authorized their agents to issue such certificates ; and I think their request, that the originals of the papers purporting to be such certificates, to which his Honor Superintendent Macandrew refers, should be forwarded to me, in order that it may be seen whether they are genuine or forged, is a reasonable request. I think it well also to call your attention to the apparent discrepancy in dates between the alleged certificate of which you forwarded me a copy in your despatch on the subject of 7th April, No. 70, and that at which, according to Messrs. Henderson's books, the person presenting it paid for his passage. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 3. Messrs. P. Hendeeson and Co. to the Agent-Geneeal. Deae Sic, — 15, St. Vincent Place, Glasgow, 21st June, 1875. Eeferring to your letter of the 15th instant, we wrote Mr. Cook in reference to the certificate said to have been granted by him, and enclosed is his reply. For ourselves, we may say that we have never given such a certificate, and we are not aware that any of our agents have done so either. Mr. Macandrew says "he has seen a great many others." Our agents could have no temptation to give these, and it would be strange if these agents, unknown to each other, should give certificates of this nature. If any more came into his hands, we think it might be well that the originals were sent Home, so that it could be seen whether or not they were genuine. We are, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, Hendeeson and Co. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster. Sub-Enclosure. Mr. John Cook to Messrs. P. Hendebson and Co. Deab Sies, — Aberdeen, 48, Marischal Street, 17th June, 1875. In reply to yours of yesterday, with regard to certificate given to Eobert Hunter, I may state that I have no recollection of giving the certificate to him ; but at the same I cannot say that the copy you send is not correct or has been fabricated. I find no copy of it in my letter-book, and as the young man is now on his way to one of the colonies who usually attended to my passenger business, you will see that a direct answer is a little difficult. I may mention that Kobert Hunter took his passage on the 26th September, while the memorandum is dated the 10th December. The certificate is a very safe one, only certifying the fact of his having paid me his passage and being entitled to the benefits of so doing; and you may rest assured that no promise which could not bo carried out would have been made or intended. I regret not being able to give you an answer more to the point, and remain, Tours, &c, p. pro John Cook, Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., Glasgow. Geo. M. Cook.

No. 4. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Ministeb for Immigbation. (No. 417.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 29th June, 1875. Referring to your letter of 21st December, 1874, on the subject of despatching emigrants direct to the Bluff, I have the honor to state that the vessels named by you were engaged by me to take passengers to Wellington and Nelson respectively, and that it would obviously have been incouvenient to send them to a second port with emigrants. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 5. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigration. (No. 466.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib— 9th July, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 124, of 11th May, 1875, relative to permitting full-paying passengers to proceed in Government emigrant ships.

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This subject has recently been considered in connection with the preparation of a new charterparty, to take effect after the present month, and, in deference to the opinions expressed in several of your earlier letters, and in the reports of Immigration Officers, a new clause in the following words has been added: — " No single man shall he taken in the ship as a saloon passenger unless he is a member of a family also passengers in the ship. No passengers not provided by the party of the second part (AgentGeneral) shall be berthed betwecn-decks without special permission in writing from the party of the second part, and no ateerajre passenger shall be taken in the ship unless approved in like manner by the party of the second part." You will, therefore, see that the intended practice of the office, as provided for in the new charterparty, appears to be in accordance with the opinion expressed in the letter under acknowledgment. I have, <fee, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, Agent-General.

No. 6. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigbation. (No. 598.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Silt,— 24th August, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 120, of 10th May, in which you request me to co-operate with his Honor A. P. Seymour, Superintendent of Marlborough, and afford him every facility in procuring suitable emigrants for his province. I regret that, owing to my absence on the Continent, I was not able to personally see Mr. Seymour when he called at this oih'cc, but I shall be glad to act in accordance with your wishes. Mr. Seymour has been furnished with the necessary documents used in the selection of emigrants, and has been requested to communicate with me whenever he may require my assistance. As Mr. Seymour is connected with the West of England, I have arranged that the next vessel conveying emigrants for Marlborough shall call at Plymouth. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 7. The AaENT-GENEEAii to the Hon. the Mististeb for Immigbation. (No. 618.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., BIB,— 31st August, 1875. I regret to have to inform you of the death of Mr. Matthies, who came from "Westland to Europe with the intention of obtaining a number of Pomeranian families for the special settlement of Jackson's Bay. I herewith enclose copy of an extract of a letter which I received from Mr. Kirchner, relating the circumstances which he considers to have been partly the cause of Mr. Matthies' fatal illness. I may add that Mr. Matthies was personally cautioned by myself that it would be necessary for him, in carrying out the object he had in view, to be very careful to avoid any breach of the laws of the country in which he was endeavouring to obtain emigrants, and not to act except through the authorized and licensed agents employed by my agent, Mr. Kirchner. I would call your attention to the remarks of Mr. Kirchner as to the property which Mr. Matthies probably possessed, and I shall be glad to co-operate with Mr. Kirchner in any steps which may be thought right to take in the interests of the widow and her children. I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 7. Excerpt from Mr. Kirchner s letter referred to in Despatch No. 618. lam sorry to inform you of the death of Mr. Matthies, the person who was to act for Westland. The Berlin Agents, Messrs. Johanning and Behmer, write to me that, notwithstanding all their caution, he allowed himself to be entrapped by the Prussian police, and that, having acted in contravention to the laws, a bill was filed against him, and he was to have been committed to prison. It is supposed that the excitement produced apoplexy by pressure on the brain. My agents cannot hear of any emigrants he lias engaged in Pomerania. He has a wife and four children in New Zealand, who ought to be informed of his death. As I heard that Mr. Matthies' return to Germany was also connected with some expected inheritance, I should advise the widow to apply to the German Consul in New Zealand, in order to establish her claim. I shall be very glad to assist her in the recovery of any money that may be coming to her from Germany, while I am in Europe.

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No. 8. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 601.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— Ist September, 1875. I have the honor to enclose, for the information of the Government, copies of a letter conveying Mr. Carter's resignation of the office he has held in this department for the last four years, and of my letter acknowledging the receipt of the same, and my sense of his services to the colony while attached to my staff. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 8. Mr. C. E. Carter to the Agent-General. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib, — Ist September, 1875. I beg respectfully to resign my appointment on your staff. In doing so, I have to thank you for the kindness and consideration I have received at your hands during the four years that I have been in the service of the Government under you. My resignation to take effect one month from the date hereof. I have, &c, Mr. Kirchner to the Agent-General. I. E. Peatherston, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand. C. E. Carter,.

Enclosure 2 in No. 8. The Agext-General to Mr. C. E. Carter. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— Ist September, 1875. I have received your letter of this day's date conveying to me your resignation of the office which you have held on the staff of this department during the last four years. I accept it with sincere regret. In doing so, I feel bound to record my sense of the zeal, energy, readiness, and capacity which you have constantly throughout that period exhibited in the service of the colony, as well as to testify to the complete confidence which in my own relations with you I have always had in your discretion and good will. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, C. E. Carter, Esq. Agent-General.

No. 9.

The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No, 620.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir, — Ist September, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 158, of the 28th June, forwarding copies of the following documents relating to the ship " Dunedin," which vessel, you inform me, arrived at Auckland on the 18th May last: —1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Surgeon-superintendent's report. 3. Certified list of births and deaths. I note that you draw my attentiou to the two cases of consumption amongst the immigrants. With reference to the statement made by the surgeon-superintendent of the vessel, as contained in the Commissioners' report, it will be seen, on reference to the letter of appointment with which surgeons are furnished, that they are instructed to make a careful inspection of all the emigrants prior to embarkation, reporting to my Despatching Officer if there are any who are not in a fit state of health for the voyage, or labouring under any bodily or mental defect likely to interfere with their getting their living in the colony. With respect to the two cases mentioned by you, I find, on reference to their papers, that in both cases the medical certificate was duly completed, that Nathaniel Lewis Eitchie was nominated in the colony, and that Arthur Thorne was one of four children, passage of one of them being paid for in cash. I have, &c, I. E. Peatherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 10. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 626.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, 'Westminster, S.W., Sib, — 20th September, 1875. I have the honor to transmit, for your information, list of persons nominated from the various pro\ inces of the colony, whose applications for a free passage I have, for the reasons given in the lists, rejected,

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In advising you of these, I would call your attention to the letter received from Sir Julius Vogel, dated 30th April of this year, in which he remarks on the importance of diminishing the proportion of children shipped on board emigrant vessels. For the reason he gives, and also that taking a smaller number of children will probably be the means of preventing the prevalence of illness, which has unfortunately occurred on many of the vessels, and also because married people with small families are more easily provided with work in the colony, I have decided, except in special cases, not to entertain applications from families which include over four children under the age of twelve. You will observe that in the nominated cases there are several families with a comparatively large number of children under twelve, and that in some cases where the vocation of the applicant is not in good demand in the colony I have rejected them. If you agree with the principle I have acted upon, I have to request you to give instructions accordingly to the Immigration officers. A comparatively large number of old people are nominated ; and, with regard to them, I would venture to suggest that the fullest inquiry be made as to the ability of those who nominate them to pay the whole, or at least part of, the passage money of those they nominate, and also as to their willingness to support them when they arrive. I have, &c, I. E. Featkeeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 11. The Agent- General to the Hon. the Minister for Immighation. (No. 701.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib,— October, 1875. Beferring to your letter No. 51, of 15th February, 1875, enclosing a letter from Dr. Nesbitt, late surgeon-superintendent of the ship " Warwick," in which that officer complains of certain difficulties he experienced from this department in obtaining his appointment as surgeon-superintendent, &c, I regret that, by an oversight, my reply to the statements of Dr. Nesbitt was not forwarded at an earlier date. Dr. Nesbitt's principal allegation is that by means of a money payment made to Mr. Moore, a medical agent of St. Mary Axe, in this city, ho obtained an appointment which would not otherwise have been given to him ; and he insinuates that the clerks in this department receive a portion of the fee which surgeons who obtain appointments through the introduction of Mr. Moore are required to pay to that gentleman. The closing sentence of his letter is as follows:—" I have no proof that the clerks at Westminster receive bribes: I was told by the Medical Agent that they receive half of hia fee. Besides his statements, I found my opinions on the fact that two and two make four." A copy of Dr. Nesbitt's statement was forwarded to Mr. Moore in April last, and he was requested to say whether it was true that he made any of the statements attributed to him ; and to submit any other remarks which he might desire to offer respecting Dr. Nesbitt's charges. I enclose copy of my letter, and Mr. Moore's reply. You will observe that Mr. Moore meets Dr. Nesbitt's statements with an emphatic denial. Dr. Nesbitt was originally appointed to the " Queen Bee," which vessel (with 79| adults) sailed in July, 1872, and before the existing regulations respecting the appointment of surgeon-superintendents were brought into force. He was not, therefore, entitled to receive the sum of £50 upon his return to England, no inducement of that kind having been held out to him. It is for the Government to determine whether or not such payment should be made to him. After his return to England, Mr. Nesbitt accepted employment in other services, and re-applied about twelve months after his arrival in this country from New Zealand. Mr. Nesbitt states or implies that his (alleged) claims were improperly postponed, and that an undue preference was given to other applicants. I trust it is unnecessary for me to say that there is no foundation for this insinuation. The appointments to all vessels are made with my sanction. It is possible that Mr. Moore may have called attention to the application of Mr. Nesbitt. Mr. Moore is a medical agent who has for many years introduced surgeons to all the emigration services. His father (now deceased), who was some years ago employed temporarily by the Emigration Commissioners as Acting Emigration Officer for the port of London, was previously engaged in the same business. Mr. Moore has introduced some of the surgeons who have been most highly commended by the Immigration Commissioners, including Dr. Ellis, of the " Atrato," of whose qualifications his Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury wrote very favourably. If the Government desire it, I will of course give directions that surgeons introduced by Mr. Moore are not to be appointed. Ido not, however, think it will be for the benefit of the service to adopt this course. With regard to Mr. Nesbitt, the Government will probably agree with me that, before being reappointed in the New Zealand service, this gentleman should be required either to substantiate or withdraw the charges of corrupt conduct which he has insinuated against officers of this department. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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Enclosure 1 in No. 11. The Agent-Genee.vl to Mr. F. Mooee. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic— 12th April, 1875. I forward herewith copy of a letter dated 31st January, 1875, addressed by Surgeon-Superin-tendent Nesbitt to the Immigration Officer at Auckland, in which grave charges are made against officers (not named) employed in the Emigration branch of this department. I have to request you will have the goodness, after perusal of the enclosure, to state whether it is true that you made any of the statements attributed to you therein, and to make any other remarks which you desire to offer respecting Dr. Nesbitt's statements. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston. F. Moore, Esq., 24, St. Mary Axe, E.C. Agent-General.

Enclosure 2 in No. 11. Mr. F. Mooee to the Agent-General. Sic,— 24, St. Mary Axe, E.C., 13th April, 1875. I am in receipt of your letter dated 12th instant, enclosing another copy received from Dr. W. B. Nesbitt, late surgeon-superintendent of the ship " Warwick." It seems that Dr. Nesbitt was appointed to the " Queen Bee" as surgeon about July, 1872, and on his re-arrival in this country took medical service in the White Star Line of steamers to New York, trading for some time, and then in the Cape Mail Company. In September, 1874, Dr. Nesbitt called on me and stated that he should like to go to New Zealand again, and would be glad if I would try andget him re-appointed in the New Zealand Government service, and that I should have a fee if I succeeded. Just at this time you were short of surgeons, and asked me to recommend some ready to sail immediately on appointment, and amongst them we sent you Dr. Nesbitt, who was appointed to the " Warwick." Dr. Nesbitt, in his letter, says I told him it was a shame that surgeons were never re-appointed except through me. I beg most emphatically to deny ever having made such a remark, and also to state, with reference to bribes to your clerks, that I have never either offered a commission or been asked for one ; and I further beg to state that at this time I could scarcely spare you the surgeons you required from other employment. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, Esq., Feas. Mooee. Agent-General for New Zealand.

No. 12. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. (No. 716.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 20th October, 1875. I herewith transmit, for your information, copy of correspondence relating to the establishment of the Scotch Agency for the whole of the colony. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 12. The Agent-Genebal to Mr. G. Andbew. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Snt,— 22nd June, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that the New Zealand Government have made arrangements for taking over the Scotch AgenGy, which has hitherto been conducted under the late Mr. Auld, on behalf of the Province of Otago, and making it available for the whole Colony of New Zealand. 2. In extending the operations of the agency, the New Zealand Government desire that every effort be made to direct the attention of intending emigrants to all parts of the colony. The successful exertions of Mr. A. Duncan, on behalf of the Province of Canterbury, encourage the belief that, if the resources of the various provinces were made known, the total number of emigrants from Scotland to New Zealand would be largely increased, and all parts of the colony derive benefit therefrom. 3. The principal object of the agency, therefore, will be the obtaining of suitable emigrants, and the supervision of the necessary arrangements for their embarkation to various parts of New Zealand. If you accept the office of head of the agency, with you will rest the final power of approval or disapproval (with the exception of nominated cases to which I shall refer hereafter), the power also of regulating the services of the officers in the employ of the agency, and of dealing directly with all the local Agents within the area over which the agency will extend. As regards nominations, the power of final approval will rest with you, but, in cases where disapproval is considered desirable, the papers must be forwarded to me, with the reasons attached, for my final decision.

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4. I shall from time to time instruct you as to the number of emigrants which it will be desirable to obtain and ship through the Scotch Agency. 5. It will sometimes be found desirable that persons approved of by me should proceed in vessels sailing from the Clyde, and for such eases you will provide berths in the first available ship after my advising you of the same. I shall deal in a similar manner with those persons approved of by you, but wishing to proceed to the colony by vessels starting from London, Plymouth, or Belfast. G. I shall communicate to you, in a separate letter in the course of a few days, the conditions under which persons will be granted free or assisted passages who sail after the 31st July next. They will be similar to those which will come into force in other parts of the United Kingdom. 7. All arrangements for chartering ships for the conveyance of emigrants, if not made by me, must be submitted to me for approval, as it is important as far as possible to assimilate them to those affecting ships going from other parts of the United Kingdom. A charter-party is now in course of preparation, which I intend to apply to all ships taking emigrants to New Zealand. It will probably be found convenient that a certain number of emigrants from the North of Ireland should embark from the Clyde under your supervision. 8. Certain provisional arrangements will have to be carried out pending the settlement of the details connected with the Scotch Agency on its new footing. For the present, you can continue to receive applications and grant passages for all parts of New Zealand, in accordance with the conditions under which you have hitherto acted. As it would be impossible, however, to provide ships proceeding direct from Glasgow for all the provinces of New Zealand, I shall, when necessary, grant passages to those persons of whom you approve in vessels proceeding from London, and, on your furnishing me from time to time with a list of such persons, embarkation orders will be issued direct from this office. 9. I purpose communicating both with Mr. Adam and the Eev. P. Barclay with regard to their acting as Emigration Agents under the Scotch Agency, and will inform you as to the result, and also as to the duties which the Government of New Zealand will expect them to perform under your supervision. 10. The mode in which moneys are to be received and paid by you will also have to be defined, and should, I think, together with other details, be the subject of personal communication as soon as it is mutually convenient for you to meet me at this office. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, George Andrew, Esq., Edinburgh. Agent-General.

Enclosure 2 in No. 12. The Agent-General to Mr. G. Andrew. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 22nd June, 1875. In a letter of this day's date, addressed to yourself, I have informed you of the intention of the New Zealand Government to establish an agency in Scotland for the whole of New Zealand, and I indicated therein the position it would hold and the duties it would have to perform. I have now to request you to inform me whether you are prepared to act as head of the agency. The salary I am authorized to offer you is three hundred pounds (£300) per annum, it being understood that you will also be at liberty to act as ordinary Agent for the Province of Otago, and that for so doing the Provincial Government pay you £200 per annum, and allow you £60 for the services of a clerk, who is to devote himself to the duties relating to the Provincial Agency. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, Geo. Andrew, Esq. Agent-General.

Enclosure 3 in No. 12. Mr. G. Andeew to the Agent-Geneeal. Otago Home Agency, 3, Hope Street, Edinburgh, Sib— 24th June, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 22nd instant, intimating that the New Zealand Government have made arrangements for taking over this agency, and stating generally the proposed scheme for working the agency in future. It will give me great pleasure to undertake the duties which it is proposed to intrust me with, and I shall do my utmost to perform these to the satisfaction of the Colonial Government and yourself. In the meantime I shall attend, in accordance with your instructions, to any applications which I may receive for free or assisted passages to any part of New Zealand. But 1 would suggest, for your consideration, whether, seeing that the official intimation by the Provincial Government to me of the arrangement which has been come to must be on its way, it would not be well to delay changing formally the character of this agency until I have that intimation. I shall be glad to hear from you as to this at your earliest convenience. In the meantime it would be well to have all the details thoroughly understood, and with that view I shall be glad to meet you in London at any time which may suit your convenience, on your giving me a few days' previous notice. I have, Ac, G-eo. Andbew. I. E. Peatherston, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

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Enclosure 4 in No. 12. Mr. G. Andeew to the Agent-Geneeal. Otago Home Agency, 3, Hope Street, Edinburgh, Sib, — ' 29th June, 1875. It was only this morning that I had the honor to receive your letter, dated 22nd instant, referring to your other communication of same date on the subject of the transfer of this agency, and stating the terms on which you propose that I should undertake the management of the General Agency. In answer to that letter, I think it unnecessary for me to say more than refer you, as I now beg to do, to my letter of 24th instant. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, Esq., Geo. Andeew. Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

Enclosure 5 in No. 12. The Agent-Genebal to Mr. G. Andbew. 7, "Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., Sib,— 21st September, 1875. Referring to the interview I had with you on the 16th instant, respecting the arrangements involved in your undertaking the Scotch Emigration Agency for the whole of New Zealand, I have now the honor to inform you that I approve of the following, namely,— 1. The advertisements now inserted in the Scotch papers to be withdrawn, and one only to be inserted, calling attention to the free emigration provided by the General Government of New Zealand. 2. Local Agents in Scotland to be instructed to communicate with yourself on all questions connected with such emigration, and to send in to you all applications, &c, that they may receive referring to the same. 3. Mr. Adam to be informed that, from the Ist of October, he will be expected to act as Emigration Agent for the whole of New Zealand, at the same salary and allowances as he has hitherto received as Agent for the Province of Otago. 4. Mr. Barclay to be informed that he must communicate with and take his instructions from yourself, instead of from this office. 5. A list of nominations of persons whose addresses are given as residing in Scotland to be sent to you, to be dealt with from your office. 6. In case, however, you should deem it desirable to reject any persons so nominated, the papers, &c, of such cases to be transmitted to me for final decision. 7. Berths for emigrants approved of by this office are to be provided, when required, in vessels sailing from the Clyde, and the same rule to apply to emigrants approved of by yourself and. requiring berths in vessels sailing from London, Plymouth, &c. 8. For the present it will be sufficient that you use, for persons applying for passages to Otago, the application, &c, forms, hitherto in use at your office ; and for persons wishing to go to the other provinces, a supply of forms in use at this office will be sent to you. 9. You will superintend the despatching of all vessels conveying emigrants from the Clyde, as you have hitherto done as regards vessels for Otago only. 10. The above arrangements to come in force on and after October Ist next. 11. I shall address you again should there be any matter of detail on which I may desire, on behalf of the New Zealand Government, to give you special instructions. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, George Andrew, Esq., Edinburgh. Agent-General.

No. 13. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigbation. (No. 742.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 21st October, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 189, of 25th August, 1875, forwarding copies of the following documents relative to the ship " Aldergrove," which, you inform me, arrived at Port Chalmers upon 25th July, namely,—l. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Certified list of births and deaths. I notice that the Commissioners reported very unfavourably as to the fitness of the surgeonsuperiutendent, Dr. Pyper; and you remark upon " the necessity of insuring that only persons in sound health shall be appointed surgeon-superintendents of emigrant ships." The consideration to which you refer is one -which I have not neglected in making appointments at this office. Dr. Pyper was, however, appointed by Mr. Auld, under the arrangement which was then in force. I have now taken under my own control the appointment of surgeons and other officers to the ships sailing from the Clyde. A copy of the report upon the " Aldergrove" shall be forwarded to Mr. Andrew, the Agent of this office at Edinburgh. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, I. E. Featheeston, "Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 14 The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 751.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 26th October, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 191, of 27th August, enclosing a certificate bearing the signature of Messrs. Henderson and Co.'s agent at Aberdeen. In reply, I herewith return the certificate, together with a copy of a letter received from Messrs. Henderson with respect thereto. It is a matter of surprise to me that such a document should lead the holder to imagine that it entitled him to a grant of land under the Immigrants Land Act, it being nothing more than an acknowledgment of the passage money having been paid. You will perceive, however, by Messrs. Henderson's letter, that any such misapprehension will probably for the future bo avoided. I have, &c, I. E. Featiierston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 14. Messrs. P. Henderson and Co. to the Agent-General. Dear Sir,— 15, St. Vincent Place, Glasgow, 25th October, 1875. Referring to your letter of 21st instant, we now return herein the certificate issued by Mr. J. Cook, our agent in Aberdeen. In explanation, he states that Eobert Hunter's passage was taken on the 26th September, 1874; and, if he remembers aright, a friend of Mr. Hunter's called on the 10th December, requesting that a certificate might be given of his having paid full fare, in order that he might be entitled to whatever rights, if any, it might confer. Mr. Cook further says that he does not consider he has done anything wrong in granting this certificate, and indeed that any one asking it was entitled to same, as you will see from it he does not say the passenger is entitled to a land order, but just to all the benefits derived from paying his passage. *He will, however, as you request, not give any more in future. We have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, Westminster P. Henderson and Co. Chambers, London, S.W.

No. 15. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 754.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 28th October, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 193, of 25th August, 1875, transmitting copies of documents relative to the ship " Collingwood;" and, in accordance with your remarks, I have instituted inquiries through Mr. W. M. Burton, by whose agency the family of Waters were selected, for the purpose of ascertaining whether any blame can be attached to the medical officer who signed the certificate. The special attention of my Despatching Officer has been called to the last paragraph of your letter, with a view of his taking steps to avoid the repetition of the matter complained of by the Commissioners. I have, &c, I. E. Peatherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 16. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 779.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 29th October, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 174, dated the 29th July, 1875, forwarding copies of the following documents relative to the ship " Forfarshire," which vessel, you inform me, arrived at Auckland upon 7th July, namely: —1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Immigration Officer's report. 3. Eeport on the voyage by the surgeon-superintendent. 4. Certified list of births and deaths. I observe that the reports upon the vessel are on the whole satisfactory, but that the steerage accommodation is described as somewhat indifferent, and a portion of the supply of flour was said to be only second-class. The remarks of the Commissioners have been referred to the Despatching Officer of this department, for his information and guidance in future. I am glad to notice that the passengers, who are described as " of a suitable description," were " well satisfied with the treatment they had received." Dr. Gilniour calls attention to the case of a family named McManus, and states that " the father was in a deep decline when leaving England, and died on the voyage." 2—D. 2.

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I have instituted inquiry in this case, and I find that the family named was introduced by the secretary of the Agricultural Labourers' Union at Leamington. The medical certificate is properly signed by " David McLeish, L.E.C.S.E., New Washington, Durham." Mr. Taylor was requested to communicate with Dr. McLeish, and ask for his explanation. I enclose a copy of the reply of the latter. The Immigration Officer remarks that, " in reply to inquiries made at the time of the inspection of the passengers, Dr. Gilmour stated to the Commissioners that he had no opportunity for inspecting the immigrants previous to their embarkation, and that he saw them for the first time on the day the ship sailed from London." The practice of this office is to require the surgeon-superintendent to attend at the Emigration Depot when the emigrants are ordered to assemble, and to remain with and accompany them on board the vessel. Dr. Gilmour's statement is, however, correct. Dr. Dawe, late of the " Halcione," was appointed surgeon to the "Forfarshire," but was unable to proceed; and Dr. Gilmour was invited to supply tho vacancy, and accepted the proposal, but could not join until the emigrants were embarked. The latter were not, however, left without due supervision and medical care, Dr. Husband, of the " Blairgowrie," having been appointed to take temporary charge until the surgeon-superintendent arrived; and Dr. Husband did, in fact, remain with the emigrants at Gravesend until the arrival of Dr. Gilmour. I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 16. Dr. McLeish to Mr. H. Taylor. Sic,— Washington, 13th October, 1875. In reply to your communication concerning a medical certificate produced by William McManus, I beg to state that I have not the slightest recollection of having given any such certificate, if ever I happened to do so ; and, as in this subscribing practice any certificate written by me is not charged for to the party requiring it, I have, therefore, no written record of any of them. There is only one family of that name, and another of the name of " McMahon," residing in this locality lately, and at present, and I am not aware of any one belonging thereto that lately went away to emigrate. I am very careful in my examinations on all occasions, and conduct them according to the best of my knowledge, and with the strictest integrity and conscientiousness; and my assistants —who frequently use my name and signature —I have advised to use the same care. The assistant I then had left this a few weeks ago, and I considered that he was a careful, upright, steady, and skilful person. This is all the information I can give you on the subject, according to the best of my recollection. I have, &c, H. Taylor, Esq. D. McLeish.

No. 17. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 780.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib— 29th October, 1875, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 180, dated 3rd August, 1875, in which you state that, in the selection of the emigrants ordered to be despatched to Otago during the current financial year, I am to arrange that one-fifth of the total number be for disposal in the Oamaru district; and that, in the case of those so set apart, their destination, Oaraaru, is to be indorsed on their contract tickets. Tour instructions in this matter shall have my careful attention. I have already given effect to them in the case of the emigrants by the ship " Corona," which sails for Otago during the next week. I have, &c, I. E. Featiieeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 18. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 782.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 29th October, 1875. I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the Government, copy of correspondence with Mr. Andrew, of Edinburgh, with reference to emigration from the Clyde to Otago. I have, &c, I. E. Eeatiieestoit, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

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Enclosure 1 in No. 18. Mr. G. Andrew to the Agent- General. Otago Home Agency, 3, Hope Street, Edinburgh, Sir,— 26th October, 1875. As Home Agents of the Provincial Government of Otago, we have to-day received a telegram from his Honor the Superintendent of that Province, in the following terms:—" Continue Clyde emigration, 100 adults monthly. Province will pay if Agent-General declines." In accordance with that message, we therefore propose to lay on a ship from Glasgow to Port Chalmers early in December, so as to accommodate farm servants leaving their situations at the term of Martinmas. We have little doubt that, if you are not already authorized to advance the necessary funds to meet the expense of that ship, the matter will be adjusted between the General and Provincial Governments before the money falls due; and we would suggest that the passengers for that ship should be collei-ted under the arrangements, including those for advertising, which Mr. Andrew recently made with you, and which have been in force since Ist instant. "We shall therefore be glad to hear at your convenience—(1.) "Whether, in the event of Mr. Andrew seeing his way to fill a ship early in December, you will authorize that to be done on behalf of the General Government; and, in the event of your not being in a position to give such authority— (2.) Under what arrangements you would prefer the emigrants being collected till some arrangement as to payment is made between the General and Provincial Governments. "We have, &c, Geo. Andrew, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. (for self and Mr. Auld). Enclosure 2 in No. 18. The Agent-Geiteral to Mr. G. Andrew. 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sir— 28th October, 1875. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th instant, in which you inform me that you have received a telegram from his Honor the Superintendent of Otago, instructing yourself and Mr. Auld, as Home Agents of the Provincial Government, to send 100 adults a month from the Clyde to Otago, and, in reference thereto, requesting to be informed whether, in the event of your being able to fill a ship early in December, I will authorize it to be done on behalf of the General Government. In reply, I have to inform you that, when in June last a telegram was received from the General Government limiting the number of emigrants to be sent to Otago to 2,000 for Port Chalmers and 1,000 for the Bluff, I concurred with Sir Julius Vogel in sending a telegram to the Government, suggesting that I should be authorized to send out an additional 1,000. To this telegram no reply has been received, and I am therefore unable to give you any authority to send any more than those originally ordered in June last. I would remind you, however, that the " Corona " sails this week with about 250 emigrants for Port Chalmers; and that I have been endeavouring, through yourself, to arrange for a ship to take about 200 emigrants direct to the Bluff, to sail the end of next month or beginning of December. I cannot authorize you to incur any expenditure for the purpose of collecting any emigrants for Otago, beyond the numbers I have given ; but with this understanding I shall be glad, however, to consider any proposal you may make for enabling you to do what is necessary with the least possible interference with the arrangements which at present exist. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, George Andrew, Esq., Edinburgh. Agent-General.

No. 19. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 849.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 24th November, 1875. Referring to your letter No. 168, dated 19th July, in which you direct my attention to certain matters relative to the ship " Hannibal," I have the honor to report to you the result of special inquiries which I instituted with reference thereto. As regards the complaint as to the incapacity of the baker, I may mention that that officer of the ship is always required to make some bread before the ship proceeds to sea, not only for the purpose of proving his ability, but also as a test of the quality of the flour. This course was adopted on board the " Hannibal," but I regret to hear that in this case it did not prove sufficient. I have given directions that, for the future, every possible inquiry should be made as to the efficiency of the person appointed baker, and, as an additional precaution, I.shall, if opportunity presents itself, accept for a free passage a person of similar occupation, in order that, if the man appointed fails to do his duty properly, there will be another on board to take his place. I also regret to note that the flour is reported to have been indifferent. The usual inspection and trial of it took place in this case, and the report of all the officers engaged therein was favourable. In order to secure its good preservation, for some time past two-thirds of the flour has been required to be packed in air-tight casks, and a similar precaution has been taken as regards the biscuits,

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The packing of the biscuits in casks or tanks will necessitate additional expense over and above that incurred under the provisions of the charter-party, but, should there be no other mode of preventing the biscuit being injured by damp, I will cause that mode of packing to be adopted. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 20. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 851.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir, — 25th November, 1875. Eeferring to your letter No. 143, of 2nd June, in which you transmit the official reports relative to the ship " Tintern Abbey," and, at the same time, request me to institute inquiry into certain matters mentioned therein, and to report the conclusions I arrive at, I have the honor to inform you that, having acted in accordance with your request, it appears to me that the principal cause of" the unsatisfactory condition of the ship was that, her equipment being delayed on account qf (amongst other reasons) the inclemency of the weather, the preparations were somewhat hurriedly completed by Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co., who were naturally anxious to avoid paying the cost of the maintenance of the emigrants at the depot, as soon as possible. The depot also, at the time, was full of emigrants, the " Edwin Fox " having been obliged to put back, and disembark her passengers there; and it was therefore an object to embark those going by the "Tintern Abbey " as soon as possible, but this was not done until the fittings of the ship were ready for their reception. The extract you quote from my Shipping Officer's report referred more especially to the general equipment of the ship, and not to the fittings, &c, required for the emigrants themselves. As to the insecurity of the store-rooms, they were built in the usual manner; but owing to the great height of the ship between decks, the stanchions must have tripped and the bulkheads gave way in the rolling of the vessel. I shall give instructions that, for the future, in vessels of more than ordinary height between decks, the stanchions are to be put closer together and the cleats deeper, which, I understand, will prevent the repetition of the matter complained of. I note the remarks made with reference to the plumbing, and as to the quality of the solder, and have to inform you that notice has been given to the person who fits the ships that, unless there is a great improvement, the shipping firms will be requested to employ some one else. I regret to learn that the matron of the " Tintern Abbey " was unfitted for her post. I need scarcely say that I quite concur in thinking that a good matron is very necessary to proper discipline amongst the emigrants, and the matter has been with me the subject of anxious consideration. The present system does not always place at my disposal the services of experienced persons for the post; nor can I expect such to be the case, without the adoption of a system of appointing and retaining permanent matrons in the employment of the Government, which would be extremely expensive, and, considering the varying number of emigrants sent out in each year, might lead to much difficulty. I shall continue to take the utmost care I possibly can in the selection of matrons, and I trust that you will not have again occasion to call my attention to their inefficiency. The complaint as to the badness of the bread at the depot was attended to at the time by my Despatching Officer : the bread was dark in colour, but was perfectly sweet. The defect, however, was remedied, and I have heard of no further complaint. I have, &c, I. E.. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 21. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 896.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 23rd December, 1875. I have the honor to forward Mr. Mackrell's report upon the action brought against me by Messrs. Willis and Gann. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 21. Messrs. John Mackbell and Co. to the Agent-General. 21, Cannon Street, London, lGth December, 1875. Sir, — Willis and Another v. Yourself. We have now the pleasure to report to you, for the information of your Government, the particulars of this case, which has ended in a verdict in your favour.

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In the month of April, 1874, you chartered of Messrs. "Willis and Son their ship the " Zenobia," for the conveyance of emigrants to New Zealand, reserving to yourself the power to cancel the charterparty if the ship should not arrive by the 20th May, and to reject the ship if she should not comply with the requirements of your Government. The ship arrived at Falmouth for orders early in May, and went to Holland to discharge her cargo, but did not arrive at the port of London until the 26th, on which day your Despatching Officer's assistant, happening to be at the docks, saw her and went over her; and Mr. Smith, your Despatching Officer, reported to you that she had originally been a paddle-wheel steamer, and had a break in her 'tween-decks forward of where the paddle-shaft formerly was, and on that part of the deck she had not the required height, namely, 7 feet from deck to deck ; and as she had large wooden beams, which would materially reduce the ordinary space between the tiers of berths, he did not consider her an eligible ship for the service. A notice was thereupon given to Messrs. Willis, whereby you exercised your right to cancel the charter-party on the ground of the ship not having arrived in time ; but it was explained to them that your reason for taking this step was that she was not suitable for the service. Messrs. Willis insisted that the vessel on reaching Falmouth had virtually arrived within the meaning of the charter-party, and that you had no power to cancel it, and required you to take up the vessel, which you were obliged to decline to do, having regard to the instructions you had received from your Government. Messrs. Willis immediately brought an action against you, claiming damages for breach of the charter-party, in which some questions were raised by demurrer on both sides, which demurrers on argument were decided in your favour last January ; and after a long delay, occasioned by the number of heavy cases before this, the action came on for trial on its merits on the 27th ult. We retained as counsel on your behalf Mr. Day, Q.C.,Mr. Watkin Williams, Q.C., M.P., and Mr. Dennistoun Wood, who on consultation gave us great hopes of success, although, on account of the conflicting opinions of ship-brokers and mercantile men as to the meaning of the word "arrive " for the purpose of a charter-party, it seemed doubtful whether Messrs. Willis might not establish by evidence that the arrival of the ship at Ealmouth was a sufficient arrival to satisfy the charter-party, especially as she was berthed for examination and repairs according to the charter-party within a reasonable time after the 20th May; and although, from no specific regulations having been laid down defining the requirements of the New Zealand Government, it seemed doubtful whether we could establish these as being sufficiently notorious to bring the knowledge of them home to Messrs. Willis at the time they entered into the charter-party. When the case came on for trial the Judge expressed himself clearly of opinion (and so afterwards directed the jury) that " arrival " meant arrival within the port of loading, i.e. London, and that, the ship not having arrived by the 20th May, you had perfect right to cancel the charter-party, unless after that day you had so. acted as to induce Messrs. Willis to believe that you did not intend to exercise that right, and they, acting under that belief, had been induced to take some step either for your benefit or prejudicial to themselves; and he was of opinion (and so afterwards directed the jury) that, to justify your rejecting the ship on the ground of her not complying with the requirements of the New Zealand Government, specific reasonable requirements must have been made to the shipowner, and he must have bad the opportunity given him of meeting those requirements if possible. To meet the latter point, Messrs. Willis endeavoured to prove by their ship's carpenter that the height between decks could have been made suitable ; and to meet the former point they brought forward an advertisement which had accidentally not been withdrawn, which had been published by the New Zealand Shipping Company after the 20th May, giving the list of ships about to be despatched to New Zealand. After a very clear summing up by the Judge, the jury, without leaving the box, gave a verdict in your favour, thus fully justifying all that you had done in the matter. The costs of the action will be taxed as soon as we can get an appointment, and some of those costs, which have been included in our accounts and paid to us, "will be paid by Messrs. Willis and Son. The sums, however, which will be allowed against the plaintiff will bo strictly limited to party and party costs, so that many charges proper, as between solicitor and client, will not be paid by them. We think it right to Mr. Smith, your Despatching Officer, to report that he rendered very important service in. getting up the case for the defence. We have, &c, I. E. Featherston, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand. John Mackbell and Co.

No. 22. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Ministeb for Ihmigeation. (No. 901.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 23rd December, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 227, dated 25th October, 1875, forwarding copy of a memorandum from the Immigration Officer at Auckland, reporting that the matron of the " British Empire " was, at the date of his letter, about to leave the colony for Victoria; and directing me to make inquiry into her statement of the circumstances under which she accepted her appointment. I have examined the correspondence in this case; and I cannot find that Mrs. Drake avowed her intention of settling elsewhere than in New Zealand. You will observe that Mr. Ellis remarks in his letter that " Mrs. Drake declines to state that any of the London emigration officials to her knowledge was actually cognizant of her intention." I have forwarded a copy of Mr. Ellis' statement to Miss Tipple, the Secretary of the British Ladies' Female Emigrant Aid Society, with a request to that lady to inform me whether she was aware of Mrs. Drake's intention as revealed in the correspondence under acknowledgment; and a copy of her reply shall be forwarded to the Government.

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It is right that I should explain that a properly qualified person going alone would not, at this office, be considered ineligible for an appointment as matron because she intended after her arrival in New Zealand to proceed to one of the Australasian colonies. The cost to the Government of the passage of Mrs. Drake was £14 10s.; her gratuity is £5: total, £19 10s. The matron's services, if properly performed, are worth much more than this sum. Permanent matrons, as employed by the Victoria and Queensland Governments, cost per voyage from £40 to £50 each. As, however, Mrs. Drake had a child whose passage cost would also be chargeable to the Government, I have no doubt that, if all the facts had been correctly represented to me, I should have regarded her as ineligible for the appointment of matron. I have, &c, I. E. Peatheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

r^—rw—^^^^iM>iiiii !■■■ m i ■■übiiii i i tm No. 23. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immioeation. (No. 902.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., See,— 23rd December, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 230, of October 25th, enclosing copy of correspondence with regard to a resolution passed at a meeting held at Dunedin. This resolution, with others passed at a subsequent meeting, appear to have been sent to some of the principal newspapers in the United Kingdom, and have been copied therefrom by a large number of other papers. I herewith transmit extracts from the Times newspaper of the 20th and 21st instant, in which you will observe I replied to these resolutions by means of an extract taken from the statement made by you in the House of Representatives, as well as by a few additional remarks. I also sent copies of this extract at once to my principal agents, and to some of the papers which had published the resolutions. I then caused the extract to be printed and to be sent to a large number of newspapers in all parts of the United Kingdom, together with a letter similar to that which I addressed to the Times. I trust that these measures will to a great extent neutralize the effect caused by the publication of resolutions which, if uncontradicted, would deter many suitable persons from emigrating to New Zealand. Attached to this letter you will find copies of the letter addressed by me to the newpapers, and of the extract from your statement which accompanied them. The rates of wages given were taken from the report of the Immigration Officer at Dunedin, which I received from you by the last San Francisco mail. % I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosures in No. 23. Exteact from the Times of 20th December, 1875. Emigrants in New Zealand.—The following communication has been addressed to the Liverpool Albion : —" At a meeting held in the Temperance Hall, Dunedin, 6th October, where upwards of 1,200 persons were present, the following resolution was unanimously passed, and ordered to be signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting, and sent to the House of Representatives:—' That this meeting of unemployed workmen now assembled in the Temperance Hall, Dunedin, views with increasing alarm the action of the Government of New Zealand in bringing emigrants to this country, which is already crowded with unemployed workmen who are utterly unable to find work of any kind. This meeting respectfully requests the Government to stem the tide of emigration, and to find work for the unemployed residing in this province, and who are now bordering on starvation. Signed, John Moebis, chairman.' At a meeting of upwards of 600 in the game place, October 18th, the following were unanimously passed : —' 1. That the present policy of flooding the New Zealand labour market with shoals of poor emigrants is subversive of the best interests of the colony, destructive of the best interests of thousands of starving operatives in the colony, and calculated to demoralize the whole body of the population. 2. That the Parliament of New Zealand has treated with silent contempt the complaints of the unemployed, and in the interests of the capitalists and landowners particularly has voted half a million sterling for the introduction of emigrants, and thereby intends to perpetuate their present wicked and abominable policy, and reduce the rate of wages to the lowest possible scale. 3. Therefore, in self-defence, the operatives of New Zealand are constrained to have recourse to stringent measures with a view of opening the eyes of their deluded rulers, as well as acquainting the people of Great Britain with the real state of the country, and the miserable fate which such as intend to emigrate will have to encounter on their arrival in this much-belauded, but corrupt and misgoverned, corner of the Queen's dominions. James Thomas, chairman. Dunedin, 23rd Oct.' " Exteacts from the Times of 21st December, 1875. EMIGEANTS IN NEW ZEALAND. To the Editor of the Times. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, Sib,— 20th December, 1875. Referring to the paragraph in the Times of to-day's date containing the report of certain resolutions passed at a meeting held at Dunedin, I would ask you to publish the enclosed extract

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from the statement made in the New Zealand Parliament by the Minister for Immigration, and which, I think, will be read with satisfaction by those persons who have friends in New Zealand, or who intend to proceed to that colony. I would also refer you to the statements made by your own correspondent in New Zealand, under date of October 21, published in one of your papers of last week, in which he states that it is a fact " that, even if the public works were to cease altogether, there is ample means within the colony to employ all the available labour within it, and that we can safely continue to import immigrants in large numbers for some time to come." I may add that by the latest advices the following are the rates of wages paid in the Province of Otago, of which Dunedin is the principal town : —Carpenters, 10s. to 12s. per day, eight hours ; bricklayers, 12s. to 14s. ; blacksmiths, 125.; masons, 125.; bricklayers' labourers, 10s.; general labourers, 7s. to Bs.; married couples (farm and station work), £70 to £S0 per annum and found; ploughmen, £55 to £60 ; farm labourers, £50 to £52; shepherds, £60 to £65 ; dairymaids, £36 to £40; general servants, £30 to £35 ; housemaids, £20 to £25. I have, &c, I. E. Eeatheeston, Agent-General. " Statement made on the Bth of October, 1875, in the House of Representatives, New Zealand, by the Minister for Immigration, the Hon. Major Atkinson. '' I mat state that the Government think it a matter of very great importance that a regular stream of immigration should be kept up, bnt that we should most carefully avoid introducing more persons than we are sure can find work readily. A small, but regular, stream of immigration, selected with great care, is what we now want. It is, I think—it certainly is to me —a matter of very great surprise that we have, up to the present time, succeeded in finding work for the very large numbers that we have introduced. I must confess to the House that I had some little doubt, or, rather, I had some little anxiety, for the last winter; and it is a matter, I think, for very great rejoicing that nowhere in the colony has there been any lack, at very high wages, of work during the last winter. The honorable member for Dunedin City yesterday wished to read a paper to this House, a resolution come to by some men who call themselves ' The Unemployed in Dunedin.' Of course, a statement of this sort going abroad, where the real facts would be unknown, would do more or less damage to this colony, and it is desirable that we should state what are the real facts as regards Dunedin. By information which I received of a reliable character, it appears that this meeting was got up by two or three perfectly worthless persons, and was attended by a few very worthless persons, and by a large number of persons who went to see what they call' the fun.' The meeting was very rowdy. That expression, lam informed, correctly describes it. It was so unruly that the reporters left it; they did not stop to report the meeting. To show that there has been absolutely no truth in the statement put forth, this is a report which I have received to-day from the Immigration Officer at Dunedin. I will read the whole telegram:—■ "' I did not consider so-called meeting of unemployed of sufficient importance to report to you. Meetings got up by Grant, McLaren, and Powditch, well-known demagogues in Dunedin. Majority of those at the meeting were not the unemployed ; they attended to have some fun. The meeting was so ' rowdy ' that the reporters left. The demand for labour can be judged by following facts: —The ' Waimea' arrived on the 18th of September with 267 adults ; ' Invcrcargill,' on the 30th of September, with 377 adults. All are now employed, except 26| adults in the depot to-day, who will be at work on Monday.' " Now, Sir, I think we may fairly judge of the worthlessness of the statement put forth. About 600 people —new-comers —readily obtained work. After this will any one credit the statement that in Dunedin men cannot obtain work in the course of a month? It is necessary that we should, as far as possible, contradict the rumours whenever we get the opportunity." To tie 'Editor of the Times. Sir, —In your paper of to-day is an account of a meeting of " distressed operatives " held at Dunedin New Zealand. As a useful commentary on their resolutions, I give an extract from a letter received from the manager of my sheep station in New Zealand, dated October 8 : — " I have to give 30s. a week for this summer's work ; hands will not come for less. To show how independent they are, Allport (whom you may remember) leaves to-morrow because, he being a yearly servant, I give him 255." When it is known that, in addition to these wages, men get as much good food as they can eat, you will agree with me that New Zealand still offers inducements to men who really wish for work. I have, &c., Grantham, December 20,1875. A Sheep Earmeh.

No. 24. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 909.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 23rd December, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 231, of October 26th, enclosing a copy of the statement upon immigration which^you made in the House of Representatives, and to thank you for the same. "Sou will observe by another letter that its opportune arrival enabled me to avail myself of its closing paragraphs in replying to the letter sent to the principal papers by the chairman of the meetings held in Dunedin in October last. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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No. 25. • The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 916.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 23rd December, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 219, dated 22nd October, 1875, forwarding the following documents relative to the " Merope," which vessel arrived at Timaru upon the 23rd September, viz.: —l. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Surgeon-superintendent's report. 3. Certified list of births and deaths during the voyage. I notice that the Commissioners remark with approval upon the " extreme cleanliness of every compartment of the ship," the expression of " satisfaction" evident amongst the emigrants, &c. With regard to the presence of pigs on the main deck of the vessel, I beg to explain that, in consequence of complaints from the colony of the nuisance occasioned by these animals, I issued instructions, early last summer, for their exclusion from our ships. It appears that these instructions were brought into force while the " Merope " was being fitted, and that the Contractors had already purchased a number of pigs and had made arrangements for their shipment. Under these circumstances, I consented to their taking half the supply engaged. It was, however, understood that the " Merope " was the last vessel in which this description of live stock was to be carried. The remarks of the Commissioners on the subject of the cooking arrangements have been referred to the Despatching Officer of this department for his careful attention. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 26. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 921.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 23rd December, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 232, of 25th October, 1875, in which you advise me that three families who arrived by the " Helen Denny " at Napier, named respectively Feakins, Friend, and Page, claimed to be sent on to join their friends in Taranaki, stating that a promise had been given them to that effect. I note also that, finding the emigrants had friends in Taranaki, you authorized their transhipment. I have examined the correspondence and other papers in these cases. The emigrants were introduced by Mr. Simmons, the Secretary of the Agricultural Labourers' Union at Maidstone. When forwarding the application forms on 3rd May last, Mr. Simmons remarked that Jacob Feakins and his wife were over age, but requested a favourable consideration of the case, on the ground that the applicant had " several sons in the colony," and would take a party with him. He did not, however, say in what part of the colony the man's friends were living, and the intending emigrants were entered for Hawke's Bay. Mr. Simmons assented to this arrangement, and remitted the outfit money for the persons named on the 21st May, stating that the payment was " for emigrants for ' Helen Denny.' " It is noteworthy, also, that all these persons stated in their application papers that they wished to go to "New Zealand" —omitting any reference to the province in which they desired to settle. Under these circumstances, the Government may, I think, assume that the statement of the emigrants that "a promise had been given to them to the effect" that they would be transhipped to Taranaki at the expense of the Government is unfounded in fact. I may add that any such arrangement is always noted at the time, and either indorsed on the contract ticket or special advice sent to you with regard to it. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 27. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 6.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 30th December, 1875. Referring to your letter No. 188, of 20th August, 1875, respecting the difficulty of changing German money in New Zealand, I herewith enclose copy of Mr. Kirchner's observations on the subject. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 27. Mr. Kirchner to the Agent- General. With regard to the difficulty of the immigrants changing German money in New Zealand, I have to observe that I never omit to call the emigrants' attention thereto before leaving the Continent. As it happened sometimes that not sufficient sovereigns could be procured in Hamburg, I applied to the

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New Zealand Bank, if they would not issue drafts through some Hamburg agency, but in reply it was stated that the drafts could only be issued from London; and there would be thus no time for such a transaction, as the emigrant's stay in Hamburg does not exceed three days, neither would he feel inclined to part with his money unless he received at once the equivalent in a bill. I mentioned to you, before, that when I acted for Queensland I was allowed to collect such moneys, issuing savingsbank receipts for each payment.

No. 28. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigbation. (No. 15.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— January, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a telegram conveying instructions to stop sending emigrants to Hawke's Bay. At the time of its receipt I was accepting emigrants to embark on February 16th for that province, and had fixed a date for another ship to sail later, in order to complete the numbers ordered up to April 30th. I have decided to take off both vessels, and to forward those persons who were finally accepted (about 50 in number) by the ship " Bebington," which sails on tho 9th of February for Auckland, whence they can be transhipped to Hawke's Bay. I shall discontinue selecting emigrants for Hawke's Bay until after April 30th next. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 29. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. (No. 48.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib, — 18th January, 1876. Eeferring to my letter No. 901, of 23rd December, 1875, on the subject of the passage of Mrs. Elizabeth Drake, the matron of the " British Empire," I have the honor to forward herewith a copy of Miss Tipple's letter dated 31st December, 1875, explaining the part taken by her in the negotiation with Mrs. Drake; also, copy of my letter to Miss Tipple in reply, dated 12th instant. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 29. Miss Tipple to the Agent-Geneeal. British Ladies' Female Emigration Society, 23, Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square, Sib,— 31st December, 1875. In reply to your letter of the 23rd instant, in reference to the (copy) letter from the Minister of Immigration for Auckland, New Zealand, respecting Mrs. Elizabeth Drake, matron of ship " British Empire," in which it is stated that she said it was an understood thing between herself and me that she should proceed to Victoria immediately on her arrival in New Zealand—this statement I deny. "When Mrs. Drake first came to me, she expressed a wish to go to Melbourne : I informed her that the Government of Victoria were not now sending out emigrants, and suggested to her to go to New Zealand. She asked if she would be allowed to leave the colony in case she did not succeed there. I replied that she would be required to stay twelve months, but that she would receive her papers of instruction from the Agent-General. I have, &c, Caboline Tipple, The Agent-General for New Zealand, 7, "Westminster Chambers, Secretary. London, S."W.

Enclosure 2 in No. 29. The Agent-Geneeal to Miss Tipple. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Deae Madam, — 12th January, 1876. I have received your letter of the 31st December, in reply to mine of the 23rd, relating to the circumstances under which Mrs. Elizabeth Drake obtained her appointment as matron of the ship " British Empire." I notice that you are able to deny Mrs. Drake's statement to the effect that" it was an understood thing between her and yourself that she should proceed to Victoria immediately on her arrival in New Zealand." I observe, however, that Mrs. Drake informed you that it was her wish to go to Melbourne, and that, in reply to an inquiry whether " she would be allowed to leave the Colony of New Zealand in case she did not succeed there," you stated that " she would be required to stay twelve months." As the 3-D. 2.

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information given to Mrs. Drake was calculated to lead to a misapprehension as to the rules and practice of this office, I trust you will excuse my suggesting that, in future cases of this nature, it will be better to refer the inquirer to this office for replies to her questions, and to report to me any statement which the applicant may have made when submitting her application. In the present instance, the emigrant's wish and intention to settle in Australia were not communicated to me prior to her departure. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, Miss Tipple, 23, Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square. Agent-General.

No. 30. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Mintstee for Imhigeation. (No. 76.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 20th January, 1876. Eeferring to your communications, No. 112, of May sth, 1875, and No. 243, of November lGth, 1875, respecting the refunds of moneys paid by Captain Kitchener and Mr. W. Fenwick on account of the passages of certain single women, I have the honor to make the following remarks. I did not gather from Mr. Vogel's letter No. 54, of 12th March, 1874, that I was limited to promising a refund of only one-half the passage money. Mr. Vogel's letter referred to the case of Mr. Ellworthy, to whom I stated that a refund of onehalf the passage would probably be made. So far as my recollection serves me, I indicated that particular amount because at the time the system of assisted passages was in force as regards ordinary emigrants, and I presumed that the Government would grant at least half cost of passage to those persons taking out single women at their own expense. When the system of free passages was established, I considered that it would be consistent to name the full amount of passage money as likely to be refunded. With regard to the other conditions named, the single females taken out by Captain Kitchener and Mr. Fenwick were approved of by me in the usual manner. Mr. Fenwick proceeded direct to Otago by the ship " Wiltshire;" but in the case of Captain Kitchener, I certainly gave him to understand that his proceeding via Australia would not invalidate his claim for a refund. It will be for you to determine whether this omission on my part is of sufficient importance to deprive Captain Kitchener of the refund which ho claims. In connection with this subject, I have to refer to my letter to you, No. 263, of 4th May, relating to Mr. Taunton. I have been informed that exception has been taken to his having come to New Zealand via Sydney, and the refund of the passage money disallowed. His claim virtually stands in the same position as Captain Kitchener's, and my remarks made in that case will apply to him. I have only now to add that since the receipt of your letter of 6th May, 1575, all similar applications for refunds have been replied to in accordance with the instructions contained in that letter. I have, &c, I. E. Featiieestou, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 31. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigbation. (No. 41.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sic, — 21st January, 1876. I have the honor to enclose for the consideration of the Government a statement, submitted to me for that purpose, by the Eev. P. Barclay, in view of his retirement from the office of Emigration Agent, of the claims which he conceives he has for some further compensation over and above the amount of his salary, on account of the services rendered by him in that capacity during the four years of his employment under me in the Highlands and Isles of Scotland. I willingly bear my testimony to the great zeal and diligence with which Mr. Barclay, during that time, devoted himself to the emigration service of the colony, and to the excellent qualifications which he brought to his work; as also to its peculiarly laborious character, involving as it did much travelling in a rough -country and inclement climate. I may also add that I think the salary which he originally agreed to accept must certainly be admitted to have been a very moderate one. Under these circumstances, I cannot hesitate to recommend his memorial to the favourable consideration of the Government. I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 31. The Eev. P. Baeclay to tho Agent-Geneeal. Statement of Claims on the part of Bey. P. Barclay, Agent for Emigration to New Zealand: for the consideration of the Jfeiv Zealand Government. "When the Agent-General asked me to aid him in emigration matters, he asked me on what terms I would render snch help. I said £250 per annum, over and above tho allowance for living and travelling. These were £1 per day, railway, cab, or steamer fares, whon travelling. My friends said

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I had asked £100 too little, which I also thought when I found what the work was, and that the appointment continued so long. The Agent-General said I should have £250 at least. The work specially to be done was to make known New Zealand, by tongue and pen; and in many parts of Scotland and its Isles it was really a terra incognita. Immediately I went to the "West Highlands and the Hebrides. Free emigration had not been then proclaimed, and, as the people in those parts are generally very poor, not a great many went. Since free emigration has been the law they have had little information or encouragement, saving that I have written a considerable number of letters, and I planned a few meetings in the more accessible parts for Mr. Duncan, from Canterbury. 2. Thereafter, by request of the Agent-General, I wrote a pamphlet, which, although short, cost me a good deal of trouble. It was translated into Gaelic, and in all about 22,000 have been circulated over the kingdom. There was no special remuneration for this, as some friends think there should have been. In this I can only blame myself, as I never applied for any remuneration. I can testify that this tract (to which I added in successive editions) has been of much service in many places. 3. I had no guarantee for the appointment, and I did not know how long I should hold it. This uncertainty added to my expenses in some ways, having, e.g., to take a furnished house for my family, which in these days costs money; though I took no more than was absolutely required. 4. In Shetland, where I have been so much during the last three summers (rather to the neglect of the North-west of Scotland and the Hebrides), work and travelling are often very difficult. I visited almost every corner of it, and succeeded beyond expectation, in spite of tremendous opposition, in securing in all nearly 800 emigrants, many of whose friends will doubtless follow. Here some work had to bo done which I hardly bargained for—viz., planning for and shipping a large number of people to Aberdeen and thence to London. Being afraid to do this alone, I engaged Mr. A. H. Smith, Agent for New Zealand Government in Edinburgh, to go and give me necessary help. I charged the half of what I paid him—£2s (the half) —to the New Zealand Government, which the Agent-General kindly allowed on explanations being given. This is the only extra allowance I ever asked, and Mr. Smith could testify as to the absolute necessity of the extra help. 5. I have given my whole time, or very nearly so, to this New Zealand work. Ido not think I have made, on an average, £7 a year in any other way during these four years. Two or three years ago, it was made a question in New Zealand Parliament, why my salary was so small compared with that of others. Mr. Ormond replied that he could not tell, but that "he supposed Mr. Barclay did not give all his time to New Zealand work." It was also made the subject of one or two leading articles in New Zealand newspapers. Who the writers were I know not. 6. "When I met Sir Julius Vogel in London I spoke about increase of salary. "When I told him at what I had been working, he said that I had certainly done my work at a very low figure. And I have kept down expenses as much as possible —difficult to do in remote islands, &c, where there are no railways and little means of communication. 7. If it be said that emigration from Scotland has not been great, it must be remembered that comparatively few can be got from the Lowlands. Many have gone thence to Canada, and it is difficult to turn the tide. In most places labour is scarce and wages are very high. In the remote Highlands and Islands (such as Shetland, 800 miles from London) the people are miserably poor from the infamous truck system, &c.; and many who are most anxious to go cannot avail themselves even of the New Zealand Government scheme, which is so liberal in its terms. Had not the Agent-General allowed me to take promissory notes for expense from Lerwick to London, many of those who have gone must have remained at home. Even clothing and the ship-kit money are too much for many of them to provide. 8. In the early spring of 1875 I was tempted to resign, having the unsought offer of good work in my own profession. But I felt that I must not resign till I had fully completed my work in Shetland, and brought it generally there and elsewhere to an honorable issue. Hence I declined it. I have now resigned, although I fear it may not be easy for me to get work in my profession, especially after being so long out of the ecclesiastical groove. But the kind of work I was asked to do four years ago is pretty well done, and alongside that work it is impossible, as a rule, to do local agency-work. And I question if the local agents appointed by the Agent-General would be well pleased if I did. To them it might seem that I, a salaried officer, was intruding into their province. I may add that a good deal of work has been done for New Zealand that can hardly be made to go into a report, such as writing to people of various classes and counselling them. Such work is likely to continue, and it is quite possible I may publish again on New Zealand in a way to help its interests directly or indirectly. And now I ask the New Zealand Government to examine these statements, and to consider if one year's salary might not be awarded me over and above the pay I have had, thus raising my income from £250 to a little over £300 a year for the whole period of my service. And if the Government be pleased to grant this request I shall feel very grateful. Edinburgh, 7th January, 1876. P. Babcxay.

No. 32. The Agent-G-ekeeal to the Hon. the Mintsteb for Immigration. (No. 77.) • 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S."W., Sib,— Ist February, 1876. I have the honor to inform you that I have decided to direct persons who apply for certificates under the Immigrants Land Act, but who do not sail from any port of the United Kingdom or from Hamburg, to make special application to the Government in New Zealand to have their cases dealt with under the Immigrants Land Act Amendment Act of last Session of the General Assembly, and consequently on arrival to make application to the Immigration Officer at the port at which they

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land, for information as to the mode in which such application can be made. It appears to me that this is the most convenient way of dealing with all applications coming from countries such as Canada, United States, &c. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 33. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigbation. (No. 108.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 9th February, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 249, dated 17th November, 1875, forwarding copies of the following documents relative to the ship " Howrah," which vessel, you inform me, arrived at Wellington upon the 9th November, 1875: —1. Immigration Commissioners' report, covering extract from the surgeon-superintendent's journal. 2. Certified list of births and deaths. I am glad to notice that the Commissioners reported very favourably respecting the general arrangements of the ship. A copy of the following extract from the journal of the surgeon-superintendent—namely, " All the eggs sent on board in cases of salt found to be rotten " —was forwarded to the firm who supplied the provisions to the " Howrah; " and I send, herewith, copy of Messrs. Finnis, Fisher, and Co.'s reply. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 33. Mr. W. Hiitchinson to the Agent-General. The New Zealand Shipping Co. (Limited), 84, Bishopsgate Street Within, Sic,— London, E.C., 21st January, 1876. I now beg to enclose copy of Messrs. Finnis, Fisher, and Co.'s reply to your favour of the 18th instant, respecting the eggs in salt supplied to the " Howrah," from which you will gather they cannot account for their being in the condition reported on by the surgeon. I have, &c, W. Htjtchinson, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Assistant-Manager. Sub-Enclosure. Messrs. Finnis, Fishes, and Co. to Mr. 0. E. Steickland. Deae Sic, — 79, Great Tower Street, London, 20th January, 1876. We beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th instant, enclosing copy of a letter received by you from the Agent-General for New Zealand, quoting a passage from the journal of the surgeon of the "Howrah"—viz., "All the eggs sent on board incases of salt found to be rotten." This complaint is so sweeping in its character that we see in it its own condemnation, as we cannot account for all the eggs being bad unless they were not touched long after sailing, fresh eggs being intended for first use. The eggs shipped on board the " Howrah" on the 24th July last were of the same kind as supplied for daily use on board the P. and 0. and other large steamers, and to several of your Company's ships taking emigrants about the same period; and were from fresh eggs received twice a week. No complaint has been received from any other ship. We much regret the circumstance, but, the eggs being fresh when shipped, the bad out-turn must be attributed to a cause beyond our control. We have, &c, O. E. Strickland, Esq., Finnis, Fishee, and Co. Manager the New Zealand Shipping Company.

No. 34.. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Ministeb for Immigbation. (No. 84.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 10th February, 1876. I have the honor to inform you that the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, having been appealed to on a special case submitted as to whether Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co. were not bound to refund to me a moiety of the passage money paid in respect of the emigrants embarked on board the " Cospatrick," unhesitatingly gave judgment in my favour. I forward, for the information of the Government, Mr. Mackrell's report on the case, with the shorthand writer's notes, and other papers to which he refers. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

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, Enclosure in No. 34. Messrs. John Mackrell and Co. to the A gent-General Dear Sir, — 21, Cannon Street, London, E.C., Ist February, 1876. We have now to report, for the information of the Government, the result of the proceedings taken to recover from Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co. the moiety of the passage money paid in respect of the emigrants who embarked on board the " Cospatrick." It was understood on the part of Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co. that they were not, under the circumstances, liable to return the money, as the return of the money was only contemplated in cases where the ship arrived at her destination, and not where she was wholly lost through misadventure, as in the case of the " Cospatrick." It was arranged to take the opinion of the Court of Queen's Bencli upon this question, by means of a spocial case; and we append hereto prints of the special case agreed upon, and also of the points to be argued on either side. The case came on for argument this morniug, and the Judges were unanimous in deciding in favour of our claim. We append hereto the shorthand writer's notes of what passed in Court upon the subject, and are gratified that the Court has unanimously given effect to the charter-party in the manner intended on the part of the Government that it should operate. We have, &c, John Mackrell and Co. I. E. Featherston, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand. P.S. —We return the original charter-party lent us to produce in Court.—J. M. & Co.

No. 35. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 132.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 16th February, 1876. I have the honor to inform you that I have received a letter from Mr. M. C. Brownrigg, dated 28th January, on board the s.s. "Australia," St. Vincent, Cape de Verd Isles, applying for, my certificate under " The Immigrants Land Act, 1873." The only information contained in his letter is, that he is a married man with three children under ten years of age, and that he is going to reside at Auckland. He has been informed, by letter addressed to Auckland, that my certificate cannot be sent to him, but that it is open to him to make application to the Government on his arrival in New Zealand. I have, &c, I. E. Featiierston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 36. The Agent-Genera.li to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 217.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 16th March, 1876. I have the honor to forward, herewith, copies of the reports furnished to me by Mr. George Andrew and Mr. James Adam, relative to their emigration operations during the month of February. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 36. Eepoet by Mr. George Andrew, Representative in Scotland of the Agent-General for New Zealand, for the Month of February. During the month of February no vessel carrying Government emigrants has sailed from the Clyde. A fair number of emigrants has been collected during the month for the " City of Dunedin," which is fixed to sail for Canterbury from Glasgow on 23rd instant, and a full complement has now been made up for that vessel, in all about 245 adults. The number of emigrants ordered for Otago and Canterbury having been made up, and instructions having been received by the Agent-General to discontinue emigration to the other provinces until June, the advertisements in the Scottish newspapers calling attention to free emigration have been withdrawn. Mr. Adam has during the month, in addition to visiting the "West of Scotland, turned his attention to North Wales and Ireland, principally with the view of securing a number of slate quarrymen, for whom at present there is a pressing demand in Otago. A special report by that gentleman is sent herewith. The number of inquiries at the office during the month has been considerable, considering that no advertisements have been appearing in the newspapers. Geo. Andrew.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 36. , Mr. J. Adam to the Agent-General. Sir,— Shannon Hotel, Killaloe, Ireland, 29th February, 1876. I have the honor to report that, in consequence of a telegram from the Superintendent of Otago to Mr. Andrew, requesting him to send Welsh and Scotch slate quarrymen immediately to Otago (where slate rock has been found north of Dunedin that splits as fine as the Welsh slate and is harder in texture), I went to Bangor and Festiniog, North Wales, where a fall of earth had occurred that was reported to have thrown 500 men out of employment. The newspaper report was correct so far as the fall of earth was concerned, but in error so far as employment went, the number of men being increased to remove the debris. I, however, addressed a number of the men in the Queen's Hotel, Festiniog. I also put posters over the town printed in the Welsh language, guaranteeing 10s. per day, but lam sorry to say that I have been unsuccessful. Fifteen young men applied for schedules, but up to the present time 1 only know of one schedule that has been returned. After spending a week in North Wales, I next went to the extreme north-west of Scotland, to the Ballaculist slate quarries. Here the parish minister gave me the church to lecture in, and I sent bills over the district announcing the same ; but, at ten o'clock on Saturday night, the clergyman came to my hotal and said he had erred in giving me his church, for the office-bearers were afraid to offend Mr. Gardner, the lessee of the quarries. I, of course, had to submit. I then went to the captain of the Volunteers for the drill hall. He is proprietor of the slate quarries, and he refused my application for the hall on the ground " that the Franco-German war had shown England that she required all her men," and therefore he would be no party to aid me in taking away the slate quarrymen. I next went to Eastdale, where there are extensive slate quarries. I applied to the captain of Volunteers for the drill hall, which I got; he also took the chair, and advised the young men to accept of my offer, and that he would throw no obstacle in the way; yet, lam sorry to say, not one applied. On the contrary, I received a letter intimating that if I would guarantee something by way of compensation for loss of time on the voyage, some of the men would entertain my proposals. Under these discouraging circumstances I returned to Edinburgh, and had a conversation with Mr. Andrew and a slate merchant, who advised me to go to Valencia, Ireland, as there had never been any strike amongst the workmen there. I accordingly crossed the Channel from Glasgow to Dublin, and it was when in Dublin that I first learned of the slate quarries here (Killaloe). The quarries are seven miles from Killaloe, where I have seen and addressed the men, and the result has been a considerable number of applications from men who understand tho cleavage of slate rock. On a review of the month's work, I feel that I have lost much valuable time, and it has been rather costly to myself ; but I have done my best to carry out the wishes of the Government to develop a new industry. I have, &c, The Agent-General, New Zealand. James Adam.

No. 37. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 245.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W,, Sir,— 21st March, 1876. I herewith transmit, for your information and consequent consideration, copies of correspondence with Mr. Andrew, of the Scotch Agency, with reference to the payment of an account (copy enclosed) for publishing a pamphlet of which Mr. Adam, the Emigration Agent in Scotland, is the author. I have, &c, I. E. Featiierston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 37. Mr. G. Andrew to the Agent-General. Sin, — 3, Hope Street, Edinburgh, New Zealand Agency, 17th March, 1876. I enclose an account amounting to £161165. 3d. due to Messrs. Bell and Bradfute, Edinburgh, for publishing a second edition, 4,000 copies, of Mr. Adam's pamphlet, " Twenty-five Tears of Emigrant Life in New Zealand," a copy of which I send per book post. The pamphlet was written to a large extent while Mr. Adam was on his way from New Zealand to this country in the beginning of 1874, and it was published immediately on his arrival here in April of that year. The cost of the first edition (£l3l 19s. 9d.) was paid by the late Mr. Auld on behalf of the Provincial Government of Otago. The first edition is now quite exhausted, many copies of it having found their way to America and Canada. It has had a large circulation in Scotland, and has been the means of inducing a great number of most suitable parties to emigrate, including many who have paid their full passage money. There is no doubt that the further circulation of the pamphlet will greatly assist us in obtaining suitable emigrants, especially from Scotland and the North of Ireland, and I observe that in the latter district one paper is publishing the entire pamphlet in weekly instalments. Seeing that the sole purpose of issuing this pamphlet is to induce emigration to the colony, I think that the enclosed account is properly payable by the General Government, and I shall be glad to hear from you whether you are prepared to pay it. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Geo. Andrew.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 37. The Agent-General to Mr. G. Andrew. 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., Sir,— 21st March, 1876. Eeferring to your letter of the 17th instant, enclosing an account for publishing a second edition of a pamphlet of which Mr. Adam is the author, and expressing your opinion that the account is properly payable by the General Government, I have to inform you that I cannot authorize the payment of the account. The General Government have gone to a considerable expense in publishing " The Official Hand-book of New Zealand," and I very much doubt whether they will be prepared to incur any further expenditure in that direction. I will, however, forward to the Government copies of your letter and the account, in order that they may have an opportunity of considering the matter. W. Kennawat, Mr. George Andrew. (for the Agent-General).

No. 38. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 246.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 27th March, 1876. In further reference to your letter No. 1, dated 11th January, enclosing papers relative to the voyage of the " Mataura," and to the complaint of the surgeon-superintendent respecting the quality of the flour shipped by that vessel, I have the honor to forward herewith copy of an explanatory statement by Messrs. G. B. Yates and Son, the firm by whom the flour put on board the " Mataura " was supplied. I have, &c, I. E. Peatherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 38. The Assistant Manager, New Zealand Shipping Company, to the Agent-General. The New Zealand Shipping Company, 84, Bishopsgate Street AVithin, Sir,— London, E.C., 20th March, 1876. I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 16th instant, having reference to the complaint of the surgeon-superintendent of the "Mataura" on the quality of the flour supplied to that vessel; and I now enclose copy of the suppliers' report thereon, which speaks for itself. I have, &c, W. HuTCRTNSON, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Assistant Manager. Sub-Enclosure. Messrs. G. B. Yates and Son to the Manager, New Zealand Shipping Company. Dear Sir, — 5, Billiter Square, London, 17th March, 1876. In reply to your communication respecting the flour shipped by us for emigrant stores per " Mataura," we beg to say that we put the finest kiln-dried on board, in accordance with the instructions of the Agent-General for New Zealand. At the same time we may mention that the kiln-dried flour does not make bread with such a good appearance as raw, in consequence of the grain being extra dried, but for keeping it is certainly far more to be depended upon, and that has been our experience for the last half-century. We believe the fault has been with the baker; being accustomed to raw, he has not known how to treat kiln-dried, and hence the complaint; for you will see by the Emigration Commissioners' report that the surgeon only complains of the bread in the early part of the voyage, and does not say that the flour was bad or sour. Fortunately the miller has kept a sample of the identical shipment, which we now submit to you. I am, &c, The Manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company. G. B. Yates and Son.

No. 39. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 248.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 30th March, 1876. Eeferring to your letters Nos. 19 and 21, dated the 13th and 11th January respectively, copies of which were forwarded to Mr. Andrew, of the Scotch Agency, I have the honor to transmit copy of a letter received from that gentleman in reference thereto, and enclosing copy of a letter received from Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., remarking on the various matters adverted to in the official reports on the vessels " Christian McAusland" and " Peter Denny."

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.Referring to the first paragraph of Messrs. Henderson's letter, I have instructed Mr. Andrew that for the future persons who have their husbands on board holding any official position or situation must not be appointed matrons, nor can they be taken as emigrants. I have found by experience that it is expedient to adopt this rule, and it is carried into effect as regards all vessels despatched from English ports by this office. I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 39. Mr. G. Andeew to the Agent-Geneeal. New Zealand Agency, 3, Hope Street, Edinburgh, Sie ,— • 27th March, 1876. I annex copy of a letter which I have received from Messrs. P. Henderson and Co. in answer to mine, drawing their attention to the Immigration Commissioners' report on the ships " Christian McAusland " and " Peter Denny." I am, &c, The Agent-General for the New Zealand, London. Geo. Andeew. Copy of Letter referred to above. Deae Sic,— Glasgow, 23rd March, 1875. We have your favour of the 21st instant, and are sorry to see the complaints in regard to the " Christian McAusland " and " Peter Denny." As to the rumour of Captain Taylor's intemperance, this has been investigated very thoroughly in New Zealand, and we are informed that there was no ground for it. It arose in consequence of a man, Dryburgh, having taken umbrage at Captain Taylor, because he would not allow him to visit his wife as often as he wished, she being matron in the ship, and he one of the seamen, and this to the neglect of his ordinary duties. In regard to the " Peter Denny:"— 1. As to certain charges brought against Captain R . These will be fully inquired into when he comes home. Meantime, we may say he has been in our employment for ten years, and we have always found him strictly temperate and attentive to his duties, and we have always had the utmost confidence in him. During the whole of the time he has been in our employment he has had a bad stammer in his speech, which becomes worse when he is excited, and the railway accident in which he was hurt has made this worse, but in no way interfered with the proper discharge of his duties. 2. As to the quality of the flour. We pay for the very best, and the flour should have been this quality. It sometimes happens that the best flour gets sour, and the finer the quality the more apt is it to become sour. We shall inquire into this when the ship returns. 3. As to the insufficiency of the divisions between the married people's berths. These berths are fitted up exactly as recommended by Mr. Johnston, who was sent here two years ago by the AgentGeneral to superintend the fitting up of the ships then being despatched for Canterbury. The height of the divisions is 22 inches. We shall be very glad to raise the partitions to, say, within 6 inches of the deck or upper berth, if the Emigration Officer will allow it; but on one occasion we had to lower them by his orders, as he thought it impeded ventilation. We know too that passengers themselves sometimes take off a board at the top to allow more ventilation. 4. As to the singular arrangement in connection with the single women's compartment. It did not occur to us that there was any danger to be apprehended, the key being in the captain's keeping. We shall see, however, that no access can be had to this compartment in a similar way in future. 5. As to supply of water. The captain must have misunderstood his instructions, as these were distinctly given that the supply was to be in addition to that used for cooking. We trust the foregoing explanations will be satisfactory. We are, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. P. Hendeeson and Co.

No. 40. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Ihmigbation. (No. 282.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib— Ist April, 1876. I have the honor to report as follows, as to the proceedings of my department during the month of March :— The ship " City of Dunedin," conveying emigrants to Port Lyttelton, sailed from the Clyde on the 25th March, having on board 276 souls, equal to 237 adults. The ship " Camperdown " is engaged to sail for Nelson on the 12th April, and will convey about 340 emigrants in all. There will be about 200 for Marlborough and about 90 for Westland, the remainder being for various other parts of the colony. These latter have been sent in this vessel, in order to meet the engagements entered into before the receipt of your telegram stopping emigration to the greater number of the provinces. With the departure of this vessel will be completed the number ordered, so far as it has not been countermanded, to be sent to the colony for the twelve months ending 30th April, 1876.

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A moderate number of applications are still coming in for free passages, and mostly from apparently eligible persons. These lam holding over pending your final instructions as to the amount of emigration required for the ensuing twelve months. I gather from your Despatch No. 44, of 11th February, that it is not desirable to send emigrants to any province so as they reach their destination during the winter months. Ido not intend, therefore, at all events, to despatch any emigrant vessels until the month of June. Meanwhile, I have withdrawn all the advertisements, and otherwise as far possible diminished the amount of expenditure. Mr. Holloway and Mr. Burton are completing their engagements to lecture and hold meetings, without giving any further assurance than that there is a probability of there being some emigrant vessel despatched in June and following months. The following shipments of material and stores have been made during the past month : —l,BOO tons rails, 21 carriages, 2 brakes, 100 pairs wheels, 2 engines, 85 sets of ironwork for wagons and trucks, 45 packages railway stores, 1 five-ton crane, 25 clocks, railway lamps (2 cases), railway tickets (20 cases), cavalry accoutrements (6 cases), barometers and thermometers from Casella (5 cases), material for the lighthouse Moko Henore, 860 gallons paraffin oil. Tenders for the construction and carriage of the Cook Strait telegraph cable were opened on the 29th March, and the tender sent in by the Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Company, offering to construct the cable and deliver it at Wellington, in accordance with Mr. Latimer Clarke's specifications, was accepted. Twenty certificates under the provisions of " The Immigrants Land Act, 1873," were issued from this office during the month of March. Despatches via San Francisco from New Zealand were delivered on the 29th March. I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 41. The Agent-G-eneeal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeatiof. (No. 256.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— sth April, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 23, of 9th February, respecting the case of a single man being authorized to be taken as a saloon passenger in the ship " Salisbury." Mr. P. D. B——, the gentleman in question, called at this office. He was a married gentleman. of over fifty years of age, an old New Zealand colonist, and Civil Engineer; and under such circumstances I raised no objection to his proceeding by the " Salisbury," and informed the New Zealand Shipping Company accordingly. I have, Ac, I. E. Featheeston, The Hou. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent- General.

Iso. 42. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Mintstee for Immigeatiox. (No. 259.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., !Sie,— sth April, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 38, of the 11th February, calling my attention to the fact that you have received no advice as to the steps I have taken respecting emigrants for the Jackson's Bay special settlement. The books of general conditions of the settlements have been, since they were received at this office, from time to time given out to any person who appeared to be a suitable emigrant for the settlement. Mr. Holloway and Mr. Burton were furnished with them, and I caused them also to be translated into Grerman, for distribution through my Agent on the Continent, and to assist Mr. Matthies in his endeavours to collect his party of Pomeranians. My efforts were principally directed in aid of Mr. Matthies, as the Superintendent of Westland, in his communication to me of November 12th, 1874, stated that the families of Pomeranians would be sufficient at first. STou are already aware that the mission of Mr. Matthies was unfortunately brought to a close by that gentleman's death, caused by circumstances which have already been communicated to you. A Dr. Welch, whom I furnished with some of the books of conditions, and who had already been in New Zealand, has called several times at this office, and stated that it was his intention to make up a party for the settlement. I offered to give him every i'acility, and he has since been in direct communication with the Superintendent of Westland; but with what result I am not at present aware. With this exception, although I have had a few inquiries, no persons appear to have seriously entertained the matter. Tour letter No. 210, of 27th September, 1875, enclosed a copy of memorandum from the Immigration Officer at Hokitika, covering list of Shetlanders nominated for passages to Jackson's Bay. This list was at once forwarded to Mr. Andrew, of the Scotch Agency; aud, in reply to my inquiry, that gentleman informs me that the parties mentioned therein were communicated with immediately on its receipt, and forms of application for passages were forwarded to them, but that he has received no reply, and has written again to ascertain their intentions. 4—D. 2.

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Since Ist May, 1875, over three hundred emigrants (including those proceeding by the " Camperdown ") hare been granted free passages to Westland, and I have been under the impression that some of these would hare been selected on arrival to be sent on to the settlement of Jackson's Bay. By the " Camperdown," which sails next week, there will be over one hundred emigrants for Westland, Borne of whom no doubt you will find suitable for that purpose. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 43. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 260.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir, — 6th April, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 16, dated the 13th January, 1876, in which you direct me to state under what special circumstances single male passengers were allowed to be taken in the cabin of the immigrant ship " Nelson." In reply, I beg to explain that, when this vessel was originally placed on the berth at Glasgow by Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., it was not arranged that she should be brought under the provisions of the new charter-party ; and when, at length, that course was determined upon, Messrs. Henderson and Co. explained that, acting under the impression that they were at liberty to do so, they had engaged a few single male passengers. Under these circumstances, I agreed to the persons referred to proceeding in the vessel. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 44. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 281.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir— 6th April, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 279, dated 15th December, 1875, on the subject of the complaint of Dr. Nesbitt, late surgeon-superintendent of the " Warwick." In reply to the specific inquiries contained in your letter, I beg to state, — 1. That it is not true that " all (or any) surgeon-superintendents receive their appointments through Mr. Moore." The surgeons in all cases receive their appointments direct from this office. Mr. Moore, who is a recognized medical agent, has frequently recommended eligible surgeons to this department; and, as explained in my letter No. 71, Mr. Moore has introduced some of the most successful medical officers who have been engaged in our service. 2. It is within my knowledge that Mr. Moore makes a charge to surgeons who obtain appointments through his introduction. The office is not, however, in any way concerned with the relations subsisting between Mr. Moore and the surgeons who apply to this office on his recommendation. 3. There are no records in this office which enable me to say whether Dr. Nesbitt is correct in Ms statement as to the time he was kept waiting for an appointment. It is, however, clear that he accepted engagements in other services, and thus sacrificed any priority to which he may have been entitled ; and that when he again applied all appointments were filled up. On this point I desire to add that there was no intentional postponement of any just claims which Dr. .Nesbitt may have had. 4. I note that you concur with me (1) that, before obtaining re-employment in this service, Dr. Nesbitt should be called upon either to substantiate or withdraw his charges against the clerks in this office, which he suggested in his letter to the Government; and (2) that, under the circumstances stated, Dr. Nesbitt is not entitled to receive the sum of £50 in consideration of his having accepted a second ship to the colony. Dr. Nesbitt has not reported himself at this office since the completion of his engagement in the " Warwick." I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 45. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 289.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— * 10th April, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 271, of the 13th December, 1875, transmitting copies of the official reports on the ship " British Empire," and calling my special attention to certain portions of the report of Dr. Goode, the surgeon-superintendent. I herewith enclose my Despatching Officer's remarks with reference to Dr. Goode's report. I desire also to add for your information that, in consequence of a protest made by the owners of the ship against the appointment of Dr. Goode on the ground of his not agreeing with the captains of

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ships in which he had previously served, Mr. Kennaway visited the " British Empire" at Gravesend, and the following is an extract from a memo, which he made on that occasion:—" Went on board the 'British Empire' at Gravesend. Captain Mather and Dr. Goode were apparently on the best of terms. Dr. Goode expressed himself quite satisfied with the way in which the ship was fitted, and said she was generally in very good order, and the emigrants all in good health, &c, &c." I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 45. Mr. Smith to the Agent- General. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 28th March, 1876. In reference to the report on "British Empire," calling attention to report of surgeonsuperintendent, summarizing the many defects in the fittings, furniture, and supplies of emigrant ships, I beg to submit the following remarks : — 1. Tin Water-cans. These have always been a source of complaint. They were substituted for the water breakers, against which, also, there had been constant complaints, and I have done all in my power to get an article manufactured which should be strong enough to resist the corroding action of the water, and at the same time keep the water sweet and good. I believe I have at last succeeded in having a can made of tinned iron, strong enough to bear any ordinary wear and tear. This article has been supplied to all ships under the new contract, and I have asked the surgeons specially to report on them. None have done so up to the present time. These new cans had not been made when the " British Empire " was fitted out. 2. Deficiency of Means of Gleaning the Decks. The supply of articles for this purpose is, in my opinion, ample, if expended carefully and judiciously, and by most surgeon-superintendents is so considered. If so instructed, I shall be prepared to order larger supplies, but it will, of course, be at a greater cost to the Government, and is, in my opinion, wholly unnecessary. 3. Flimsy Construction of tJie Forms. These have been strengthened from time to time, as my attention has been directed to them ; and they are now, and have been for some time, so constructed as to stand ordinary wear and tear. These articles continually get out of order in schools on shore, and would, therefore, be much more liable to do so on board ship, and it is a matter of very little trouble to put them in order again. There is plenty of spare wood and nails left on board, so that there should be no more difficulty in repairing them on board than there would be in a similar case on shore. Dr. Goode admits that his recommendation on this matter in his report on " Oxford " was carried out. 4. Insufficient Supply of Charcoal. The supply can be increased at increased cost, but the opinions of the surgeons-superintendent are so divergent on this subject that it is difficult to know what to do. Many of the surgeons are very averse to using the swing stoves at all, and owing to this I have had a large quantity of sawdust put on board in addition, as a means of drying the decks ; and the weight of opinion, as far as I can learn, is in favour of this latter article. 5. Inferior Quality, and Deficiency in Quantity, of Stout. The quality was equal to that ordinarily supplied; the quantity required by the charter-party was shipped; so that if there was any deficiency it must have been pillaged on board. My assistant, Captain Eobertson, and Dr. Humphries, the Medical Inspector under the Passengers Act, surveyed the stores and medical comforts of the " British Empire," and they reported to me that the quality of all was excellent, and the quantity ample. Dr. Goode objected to the quality of the stout, and it was, therefore, subsequently examined by Captain Porster, the Chief Emigration Officer at the Port of London, and by myself; and we both agreed with Captain Eobertson and Dr. Humphries that there was nothing to object to, it being, in our opinion, of a good quality, and quite equal to the stout usuallysupplied. 6. The Construction of the Bunks in the Married Women's Hospital. If the bunks were constructed according to Dr. Goode's suggestion, the floor space would be so curtailed as to make the dimensions of the hospital utterly inadequate; and more space could not be given than I set apart, without requiring the hospital space to be irrespective of the space in calculating the numbers the ship could carry: this would of course still further limit the number in each ship, and therefore increase the cost per head. The hospital space allotted in most of the New Zealand Government ships is double that required by the Passengers Act, and very largely in excess of any similar apportionment in ships fitted out by the other Colonial Governments. 7. Absence of a Tank to supply Water for the Single Women's Closet. The pipe supplying water to the single women's closet was connected with the condensing tank, and when the condenser is not working this tank should be filled by the fire engine. Had there been

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a tank specially fitted for single women's closet they would have been no better off, as the tank, owing to the position of the closet, would have been necessarily small, requiring to be filled several times in the night by means of buckets, or by the same means (the fire engine) by which the larger and more efficient tank should have been supplied. 8. The Position of the Store-room, the Stores having to he brought up through the Single Women's Compartment. The only thing stowed in the after-hold was water, a portion of this article always requiring to be stowed aft to keep the ships in trim ; but there is always an alley-way left to get at these tanks from the main hatchway if it is found necessary to use any of the water out of the after-hold during the voyage. My assistant, Captain Robertson, who visited the ship daily during her outfit, and saw her cargo and stores taken in, confirms my recollection that there were no stores in the after-hold. I have also called upon the the charterers per letter, a copy of which, and their reply, I enclose, from which you will perceive that the whole of the emigrants' provisions and stores were in the between-decks (except of course the wet provisions, which were in the fore-hold), confirming my report of 17th July, 1875, on the despatch of the ship. Dr. Goode's remark, that " a very considerable portion of the stores were stowed in contravention of the terms of the charter-party," is manifestly, to say the least of it, a gross exaggeration, as there were 150 tons of room in the 'tween-deck storeroom, a space much more than sufficient for all the emigrants' provisions and stores. The only articles that I can possibly conceive as being stowed in the after-hold would be cuddy stores, and there was ample room in the lazarette for them, the entrance to the lazarette being by a scuttle in the cuddy. If, therefore, there were any stores in the after-hold requiring to be got up through the single women's compartment, it was a great irregularity, and the surgeon should not only have objected to it, but should have called on the captain to have them removed at once, and stowed where there was no occasion, for continued access through the single women's compartment. I would respectfully call your attention to numerous observations in Dr. Goode's report which are not summarized in the Hon. the Minister's report, such as : — " The surgery was placed in the 'tween-decks, where it ought never to be; there was no ventilation whatever." Berthing arrangements complained of. " Small house on deck for tubs of dirty clothes required." " Careless, hasty manner in which fittings are put up; carpenters at work at Gravesend after passengers are embarked, and almost to the moment of weighing anchor." " I would recommend that no married women except the matron be put in the single women's compartment." " There was no place for the second cabin passengers to go but the quarter-deck among the single women." " There was no ale put on board specially for the surgeon." I would remark that the surgery was abreast the main hatchway, in about as airy a position as possible unless placed on deck ; but the terms of the charter-party do not justify my requiring any of the poop accommodation being given up for such a purpose. In the berthing arrangements the comfort of the people is specially considered, parties being requested to choose their own messmates at the depot, and when they have done so they are berthed as nearly as possible according to the different districts from which they come, care being taken that the children are as equally distributed as they conveniently can be. Married women who proceed to the colony without their husbands must necessarily be berthed in the single women's compartment— they could not possibly be put among the married people. The proper place for the single women was the poop, as stipulated for in the charter-party, and not the quarter-deck. The admission of the second-class passengers on to the poop, to the exclusion of the single women, was therefore a manifest contravention of the charter-party, which Dr. Groode should not have sanctioned. It would be impossible in most ships to allot a house on deck for the wet clothes, as the upper deck is already sufficiently occupied, frequently to the curtailment of the airing space much beyond what I consider desirable; and it would not bo difficult ordinarily to arrange for having wet clothes dried before night. The washing of clothes should only be sanctioned in the morning. Dr. Goode would have it inferred that the fittings were not ready for the people, whereas the employment of carpenters as stated by him up to the moment of ship's leaving is to provide for alterations necessitated in almost every ship by the description of people coming forward rarely coinciding with that for which the ship is originally fitted. As a proof that the fittings are not put up carelessly, it is quite the exception to hear of any complaint that any of the berths have given way. It is not the practice to put on board ale specially for the use of the surgeon, and the ale was such as used by the officers and cabin passengers without complaint. I would respectfully call your attention to the remarks of the Immigration Commissioners in their official report to the Minister of Immigration with regard especially to this ship : " The steerage accommodation of this vessel is very superior. We found the several compartments well lighted and ventilated, as also roomy and convenient in an unusual degree." " The provisioning and outfit of the ship were excellent in every particular, the supplies of all kinds being abundant and of the best description." -j I have, &c, Edwaed A. Smith, E.N., I. E. Feathers ton, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand. Despatching Officer.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 45. Mr. Smith to Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co. Deae Sies, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 17th March, 1876. 1 shall feel obliged by your informing me how the emigrants' stores were stowed in the " British Empire," and whether, in getting access to any of them, it was necessary to lift the hatches in the single women's compartment; and, if so, what portion of the stores were so stowed. I have, &c, Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co. E. A. Smith.

Enclosure 3 in No. 45. Messrs. Shaw, Sayill, and Co. to Mr. Smith. Deae Sic,— 34, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C., 22nd March, 1876, We duly received your favour, and, after making inquiries relative to the " British Empire," we find that the emigrants' stores were all stowed in the 'tween-decks before the main hatch, with the exception of the salt provisions, which were in the fore-hold, and the water, part of which was in the fore-hold and part in the after-hold, stowed in the after-hatch as usual. We are, &c., (pro Shaw, Savill, and C 0.,) E. A. Smith, Esq., 7, Westminster Chambers, S.W. John G-beenway.

By Authority : Geokoe Didsbtjrt, Government Printer, Wellington. —1876. Price Ib. 3d.]