IMMIGRATION. GENERAL REPORTS OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1876 Session I, D-06

D.-6

1876. NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION. GENERAL REPORTS OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS.

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. The Immigration Officeb, Auckland, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigbatiost. Sic, — Immigration Office, Auckland, Ist July, 1876. I have the honor to report that eight ships in alt have arrived at this port during the year ending the 30th June, bringing 2,481 Government immigrants, equal to 2,149 statute adults. Sixtyfive German immigrants, originally shipped for Auckland, arrived coastwise, making a total of 2,546 souls and 2,19S statute adults received during the year. 2. This includes 179 persons nominated by friends in the colony. 3. Of these, 888 were English, 1,423 Irish, 115 Scotch, and 120 foreigners. 4. The number of single women included in the above is 471, single men 767, the remainder being made up of married persons with their families. 5. The classification of occupations, as nearly as can be ascertained, gives the following proportions, namely,—Mechanical tradesmen, 292 ; farmers and farm labourers, 443 ; general labourers, 213 ; miscellaneous, 110 ; female servants, 325. 6. No difficulty was experienced at any time during the year in finding employment for the newcomers. 7. The character of the immigrants as a body has, I believe, proved satisfactory. A large proportion of them (probably one-half) obtained engagements as mechanics and house servants in the neighbourhood of Auckland, the remainder being readily absorbed in the agricultural and timber districts of the province. 8. All the ships arrived in port in a very creditable condition in regard to cleanliness and good order, and were remarkably free from infectious disease throughout the voyage. The " Dover Castle "is the only vessel that had anything of the kind to report. This ship was placed in quarantine on her arrival, in consequence of several cases of scarlatina having occurred on board early on the voyage. On the observance of the usual precautions, she was admitted to pratique with all hands, after seven days' detention at Motu Ihi. The number of deaths from scarlatina on board the " Dover Castle" was two, being of children under six years of age. No deaths took place during the stay in quarantine. 9. The number of deaths at sea from all causes among the immigrants during the year was as follows, namely—29 infants, 9 children under 12 years of age, and 5 adults—total 43, divided into 23 males and 20 females. This gives If per cent, as the proportion of deaths on the number of immigrants originally embarked. 10. The demand for labour has been brisk throughout the summer and autumn, and the rate of wages in every department is fully maintained as compared with last year. 11. The following is the scale of wages which have obtained here during the quarter ended the 30th June, and the occupations named continue to be in fair request. A corresponding rate of wages, with very little variation, has been the rule throughout the province during the year:—Bakers, butchers, and brewers, 7s. 6d. to Bs. 6d. per day; blacksmiths, Bs. to 9s. per day ; bricklayers, Bs. 6d. to 10s. per day; carpenters and coach.build.ers, Bs. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per day; coopers, working engineers, stonemasons, millers, and millwrights, Bs. to 9s. per day; plumbers and painters, 7s. to 7s. 6d. per day ; plasterers, 9s. to 10s. 6d. per day ; ropemakers, 6s. to 7s. per day ; saddlers, shoemakers, and tailors, Bs. to 9s. per day ; ploughmen, gardeners, and general farm labourers, 12s. 6d to 225. 6d. per week, -with house accommodation and partial supplies ; 6s. per day is the nominal wages for ordinary labourers, but 7s. and Bs. per day, and even higher rates, have been paid for this description of labour during the past quarter. At the present date, there is a tendency to a decline in wages generally for all descriptions of out-door work, in consequence of the wet weather prevailing at this time of the year. Female servants' wages may be quoted at from 6s. to 12s. per week; cooks, housekeepers, and laundresses, at Bs. to 12s. per week. I—D. 6.

D.—6

2

12. The prospect of the labour market in this province for the ensuing year is, I think, reasonably encouraging. Employers complain, as heretofore, that there is much difficulty in obtaining willing and efficient hands at a fair rate of remuneration. This is applicable especially in the case of general and farm labourers, and female servants; the supply of the latter usually being wholly inadequate to the demand. 13. The privilege of nominating for free passages continues to be appreciated by the public, and especially by many of the more industrious among the new arrivals, who express themselves, as a rule, well satisfied with their experience of colonial life. 14. The number of nominations forwarded from this province for the year is 458, as compared with 780 for the preceding year. I account for the falling off in the number of nominations in this way: Heretofore, in the absence of systematic immigration, a large proportion of the nominations were made by persons in extreme need of assistance in their respective occupations, who, being unable to obtain labour in the colony, largely nominated their friends for a free passage, but of whose preparedness to emigrate in many instances they knew very little; consequently only a small proportion of the nominations were effective. Such persons are now content to select for themselves from among the new arrivals, while the latter, in pursuance of arrangements entered into with their friends before leaving home, are availing themselves freely of the nomination system. 15. Among the immigrants who arrived in this province during the year was Mr. Vesey Stewart's party of special settlers, selected by that gentleman chiefly in Ireland, in fulfilment of his agreement with the Government entered into on the 24th of June, 1874. The main body, accompanied by Mr. Stewart, arrived in Auckland by the " Carisbrooke Castle," upon the Bth of September, 1875. They were forwarded to Katikati, via Tauranga, without delay, where they all arrived in due course, and are now actively prosecuting the work of settlement in terms of their respective engagements. The location of these settlers, including the division and allocation of their lands, has, I am happy to say, gone on most successfully, and the new-comers are, I believe, well satisfied with their prospects. 16. As stated in my last report, many advantages appear to me to present themselves in this province for the successful prosecution of colonization by means of special settlement. 17. There are now 155 registered applications in this office under the Immigrants Land Act, representing claims for land amounting to £4,990, which, at an average of 10s. per acre, would require 9,980 acres of land to satisfy. Only four applicants have taken up land under the Act during the year. The reason why so few have as yet exercised their certificates of registration is owing, I believe, to the high rate of wages prevailing in the colony, and the readiness with which new-comers obtain remunerative employment. As a rule, the registered immigrants are advised to take employment for a time, with a view to the acquisition of local experience, but some of them are now becoming anxious to settle upon the land, if this could be done under some kind of organization by which the advantages of co-operation might be secured. 18. The depot accommodation for immigrants arriving in Auckland is more limited this year than heretofore, though still sufficient for necessary purposes. The buildings are in a tolerably effective condition, and, except to a very limited extent, will not require much outlay for repairs for the next twelve months. 19. So also as respects the quarantine premises at Motu Ihi. The buildings there are in a passable condition, requiring only a few trivial repairs, chiefly to the roof-gutters, and the shingles in one or two places. The water supply at the station is improved, and is now equal to all requirements. 20. I visited the island for inspection four times within the past year, and have found the stationkeeper, Mr. Barnsly, attentive to his duties. I have, &c, H. Elms, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 2. The Immigration Officee, Grahamstown, to the Undee Seceetaet for Immigeation. Sib, — Immigration Office, Thames, 4th July, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your circular letter of date 20th May, and, in reply thereto, beg to report as follows: — The number of nominations received at this office during the past year has been considerably less than last year, owing to a very general depression in mining matters ; and, as mining is the chief industry which absorbs the greatest amount of labour in this district, any depression or stagnation in that industry could not fail to have a corresponding influence upon the number of nominations. The number of nominations received during the year was 41, as against 125 during the previous year. Prospects of Labour. —The prospects of labour at the present time are much better than they have been for a considerable time past. Operations having been within the last few weeks resumed in the Waiokaraka mines, all available labour now on the Thames will soon be absorbed; and it is more than probable that within the next three months the demand for labour will be greater than the supply, as both Tairua and Ohinemuri Gold Fields are again attracting considerable attention owing to recent valuable discoveries, and a number of quartz batteries are now in course of erection, some of which will be ready to commence operations this month. It is the opinion of many, well qualified to judge, that the Ohinemuri Gold Field will prove more productive of payable quartz, and that for very many years to come, than any gold field yet opened in New Zealand, and, from its great extent, will afford employment to and maintain a very large population. The Gold Fields Regulations providing for agricultural leases being now in operation, a demand for farm labour has arisen; and should the Ohinemuri Gold Field prove as productive as is anticipated,

3

D.—6.

the demand for labour will be still further increased by the impetus given to industries other than mining, which will necessarily arise in a well-to-do community. Value of Nomination System. —I can speak confidently of the advantage which this district derived from the system of nominated immigrants; the immigrants being comprised chiefly of men admirably suited for the requirements of this district, and the female relations of persons already resident in the district. I have, &c, Charles E. Haughton, Esq., D. G. MacDonnell, Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 3. The Immigeation Offices, New Plymouth, to the Undee Seceetaby for Immigbation. Sic, — Immigration Office, New Plymouth, Ist July, 1876. In forwarding the report on immigration for the Province of Taranaki, for the year ending 30th June, 1876, I have the honor to enclose Schedules No. 1 and 2, showing number of immigrants, " Free," " Assisted," and " Nominated," that have arrived since 30th June, 1875, making, with those previously reported (not including those sent to the Patea District), a gross number of 1,790 souls or l,43t>| statute adults since the introduction of immigrants to this province, most of whom have settled down to colonial life in its various phases, giving, as a rule, satisfaction to their employers, whilst their sobriety and general good conduct command the respect of all; thus proving that the vile insinuations cast on the single women by J. Gr. S. Grant and others are, as regards the Province of Taranaki, without the slightest foundation. Health of Immigrants. —I am sorry to report many cases of low fever amongst the immigrants ex "Halcione," "Chile," and "Hurunui" after their arrival, several families remaining in the depot for weeks and months receiving medical attendance and rations. I have to report three deaths (two male adults and one female), but trust that, as no new cases have been reported, the district is now free of it. Increase of Crime. —I have again the pleasure of reporting that the Province of Taranaki will bear most favourable comparison with the other provinces of New Zealand as regards the absence of crime no immigrant having as yet been committed for any serious offence. This goes far to prove the careful selection of the immigrants by the Agents employed at Home. Nominated Immigration. —I am unable to report any increase as regards number, or inquiries respecting the system. This I attribute to the great difficulty experienced by the newly-arrived immigrant in obtaining the one great object of his life —land; and until a more liberal system of obtaining land by deferred payment presents itself to his view, I do not think he will advise his friends to emigrate, more particularly as the large increase of wages amongst all labouring classes in England, combined with the lower price of many articles of food, clothing, house rent, Ac, tend greatly to equalize the price paid for labour at Home and in the colonies. House Accommodation is, in town, owing to the temporary cessation of immigration, more easily procurable, but in the country districts is, as I before reported, scarce, the cottages erected by the Provincial Government being fully tenanted. Labour. —The supply at present is rather in excess of the demand. This being the winter season labourers liviu|r in and around the town find difficulty in obtaining employment, the wet weather tending greatly to hinder work being practicably carried on even when obtainable. Wages, as previously reported, show a downward tendency, and all seem willing to submit to such reduction, trusting to obtain a rise in the spring. Provisions remain at the same reasonable rate as previously reported, except in the Moa Block, transit to Inglewood from town of New Plymouth or Waitara having risen from £1 10s. to £6; and had not the storekeepers, warned by the necessities of last winter, laid in good stocks, much distress would possibly be felt there. Even now many families will find it a struggle to get through the winter. Demand for Land. —During the past year land has been eagerly inquired for by persons visiting the settlement from the neighbouring provinces, Australia, and India, and much capital has been invested by outsiders ; but the supply of open lands being solely in the hands of the Natives, prevents any extension of the settlement southwards, whilst the delay in opening up the forest lands for selection, and the high prices fixed on it by the Provincial Government, have obliged many to seek a home for themselves elsewhere. W. K. Htjlke, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 4. The Immigbation Offices, Patea, to the Undeb Seceetaey for Immigbation. gjj Immigration Office, Patea, sth July, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular memorandum of the 20th ultimo, instructing Immigration Officers to make annual reports up to 30th of June. The direct absorption of immigrants in the Patea district has during the past year been less than was anticipated, but a number of people introduced by the Government to Wanganui and adjacent districts have found their way to Patea, and thus lessened the demand for labour at present rates. In July last, several Scandinavian families, numbering thirty-six adults, arrived from Wellington, and are all doing well; though at first some little difficulty was experienced in disposing of them, owing to their total ignorance of the English language. This difficulty having in a great measure been overcome, the Scandinavians have proved excellent labourers, and their services are much in demand

D.—6,

4

amongst the settlers. Should any more of that nationality arrive at Wellington, I would suggest that some might be despatched to Patea. In September, a further shipment of immigrants ex " Eodney " arrived at Patea, consisting of families numbering 43 \ adults, who soon found employment in the district. During the year two additional cottages have been erected by the Provincial Government, and a want thereby supplied for accommodation at Kakararnea, three families being located there. In your letter No. 113, of the 29th April last, you informed me that, in consequence of the great reduction in immigration which has been decided upon by the Government, my services as Immigration Officer at Patea will not be required after the 31st July; and I shall therefore be prepared on that date, if necessary, to hand over the Government buildings, and other property appertaining to immigration, to whomsoever you may appoint. I would, however, take this opportunity of expressing a hope that it is not the intention of the Government to discontinue entirely the introduction of immigrants to this district. The settlement of the fertile country lying between the Waitotara and Waingongoro Rivers, as you are doubtless aware, is of but very recent growth, and, owing to this and Native difficulties now daily vanishing, the settlers have until lately been in many cases struggling for a living, and have not been in a position to employ much labour at the high rates which have been ruling. Latterly, however, owing to the high price obtainable for cattle, and to the fact of the Patea country being especially adapted for grazing purposes, the settlers are daily growing more prosperous, and turning their attention to the permanent improvement of their farms, thus creating an increased demand for labour. The continuation of the immigration policy must necessarily tend to decrease the rate of wages, and thus still further increase the demand for labour, and I am therefore of opinion that it would be extremely inopportune to check suddenly a judicious system of immigration. I am credibly informed by settlers that plenty of employment is open to immigrants who are willing to work for reasonable wages; but where, as at present, labourers expect to earn eight to ten shillings per day, the farmers have had no option but to defer improvements until wages are lowered. I understand that at New Plymouth labour is plentiful, and to be had for very much less than in this portion of the province ; and, as an illustration that this is the case, I may mention that a Government contract lately advertised at both places, for felling bush in the neighbourhood of Kakaramea, has been given to New Plymouth men, who tendered at little more than one-half the rate for which the work would have been undertaken by Patea bushmen. From these facts, I consider that, so far from discontinuing immigration, the favourable conditions for introducing a steady stream of labour are now only commencing, and should be carefully fostered in the interest of the progress and speedy settlement of this portion of the colony. Nominations of immigrants have been made by settlers in the district, but none have as yet to my knowledge arrived. I have, &c, C. A. Wbat, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 5. The Immigration Officee, Napier, to His Honor the Superintendent. Sib, — Immigration Office, Napier, 30th June, 1876. In accordance with instructions, I beg to report to your Honor as follows for transmission to the Hon. Minister for Immigration. Having already recently reported on the labour market, supplemented by your Honor's remarks, I do not perceive any necessity to further enter upon the subject than to give a return of ships arrived, which is herewith annexed. Mr. Friberg has been requested to report separately on the Danevirk and Norsewood Settlement. The matter of " nominated immigrants " exists in the same state as stated in former reports. I regret it has not been more taken advantage of, a very small proportion of nominated people accepting the proposal of their friends' recommendation to immigrate to this colony. Me recovery of promissory notes, I have already reported upon. I have, &c, GEOEGE TIIOHAS FaNNIN, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Superintendent. • Immigration Officer. Memorandum. In forwarding the report of the Immigration Officer, I would represent the great scarcity of labour in Hawke's Bay, wages being higher than for years. The number of immigrants ordered for Hawke's Bay will not, lam sure, anything like meet the requirements for the coming year. I wish much that four ships, each to bring 200 immigrants, could be sanctioned. J. D. ObmonDi

No. 6. The Immigration Offices, Wellington, to His Honor the Stjpeeintendent. Sib,— Immigration Office, Wellington, 3rd July, 1876. I have the honor to forward a report upon immigration to this port for the year ending the 30th ultimo. During this period I. find that twelve vessels arrived, with 3,326 souls : 1,047 of these were, however transhipped to other provinces, having embarked ibr this port on the understanding that they would be forwarded to whatever part of the colony they wished to be sent to.

5

D.—J5

Six hundred and fifteen nominations have been received and forwarded to the Agent-General during the year, and 211. persons have availed themselves of nominated-passage orders ; 95 souls arrived for the Colonist's Aid Corporation, and were forwarded to the new township of Halcombe Town; 'which has been1 fieVftnfed in the Manchester Block. There has been no serious delay in disposing of the1 immigrants1 1 the past year, notwithstanding the large proportion of foreigners there were amongst them: of course, the latter class had to be kept on rations fora longer period than the British immigrants, but fbo'se' wlvo^howed any disposition to work were after a short time able to provide for themselves. At the* rtfefeeh't time there are some thirty-seven Prussians who are to be forwarded at their own request to Jackson's Bay, so soon as opportunity offers. Although I speak so favourably of the foreigners, I do Wot recommend that any more should be introduced for some time to come, for there is no disguising the fact that there is not nearly the general demand for labour that there was last year; this being'the case, the foreigners are not nearly so readily absorbed and provided for as the British. Above1 all, I wrnild strongly urge that on no account should any more Italians be introduced. Sonic few, T must own, have looked after themselves, and have been of little or no trouble, but the majority who have arrived here have shown not the slightest disposition to work, and seemed to think that it wan the duty' o!E the Government to provide for them for the rest of their lives. The disfavour into which the Italian's hive fallen generally throughout the colony is attributable, I believe, in a great measure, to their injudicious selection. There isa steady demand for a limited number of artisans of all descriptions connected with the building trades; and wages: generally are no lower than they were last year, but employers will only have good ifleii, 'aS they are now in a position to select for themselves : the consequence is, that there are a number of inferior'men of all classes out of employment, and who feel themselves aggrieved if they f;re offered less'wages than the best workmen. Agricultural labourers, who are really such, can readily find employment if their families are not too large, as the accommodation employers in the country are gerieFally able to provide is very limited. Female domestic servants seem to be in greater demand than ever. 1 have not the slightest doubt that 500 would readily find employment during the ensuing twelve months, if they are respectable girls willing to do general housework, at wages from Bs. to £1 per week and found. Owing Id the large contracts now going on in the vicinity of Wellington, I do not anticipate any difficulty iv providing employment for all persons who are willing to work, during the winter months. The buildings at the Depot, Moun.t Cook, are very old and dilapidated, having been erected many years ago for military barracks. Should a large number of immigrants bo introduced to this port it would be necessary to halve new buildings erected, which should be more conveniently arranged. The Quarantine Station is in a thorough state of repair, and well provided with every requisite for cleansing and disinfecting immigrants and vessels placed in quarantine. During the past year three vessels with 1,047 souls have been quarantined, two of these having typhoid fever of a virulent type; but I am pleased to be able to report that the disease was iv each ease effectually stamped out at the Quarantine Station. The depots in the country districts are all in good repair, and ready for the reception of immigrants. I attach a report from the Sub-Immigration Officer at Wanganui; and, so soon as reports are received from the officers in charge at the Wairarapa and Seventy-Mile Bush districts, they will be transmitted to you. I have, &c, H. J. H. Eliott, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. Immigration Officer. . ifi ■ ■ ■■■

Enclosure lin jS to. 6. Mr. H. M. Bbewee to the Immi&uatton Officer, Wellington. Sic, — i Sub-Immigration Office, Wanganui, June, 1876. I have the honor to report that since forwarding my last report 1 have received and distributed 798 immigrants ill this district. This is exclusive of a number sent to l'\>xton and Palmerston : both these jVlaces1 are under my charge, but immigrants are sent direct from Wellington to these two places. All!tHe people received by me seem to have settled down, and are, with the exception of a few isolated cases, doing very well. Of course, amongst such a number there must be a few who, from physical or other causes, cannot get along without some assistance. Although the demand is not so great as it was twelve months "ago, there is still a good demand for farm labourers, especially sfrigle men, while the demand for single girls has never slackened. I have received nominations for 01 souls, and the nominators all seem in a position to take their friends at once off the hands of the Goverritneiijr on their arrival. With respect to the German immigrants I cannot speak so favourably, as'they remained a long time on hand, and caused the Government considerable expense. Many of them/ welfe a very suitable class of men, and no doubt in time will make good colonists ; but, if it is intended to bring any more of the same class out, I should advise the Government to make some preparation for them in the way of special settlement or otherwise. As far as morality is coneeriud, I am happy to say that the report I have to give is a good one, very few having been brought up before our local Resident Magistrate for anything more than an occasional case of drunkenness. The trades most in demand are carpenters, blacksmiths, and rough joiners who can do station or farm jobbing. In conclusion, I have the honor to state that I consider this district could comfortably absorb from five to six hundred during the ensuing year, provided they were the sort I have mentioned, together with a few other trades. •• •" ; , I have, &c, H. M. Brewer, oL { f '3J. J- H. Eliotfc, Esq., Immigration Officer, Wellington. Sub-Immigration Officer. 2—D. 6.

D.—6.

6

Enclosure 2 in No. 6. Mr. J. J. Fbeetii to the Immigration Officer, Wellington. Sib, — Wairarapa, Ist July, 1876. I have the honor to report as follows upon matters connected with the Immigration Department in this district for the year ending the 30th June, 1876 : — During the above period there have arrived in the Wairarapa immigrants numbering 397 souls, being equal to 331^ adults. These immigrants have been distributed by me over the district as follows: —Featherston, IG2 souls, or 146 adults; Grey town, 50 souls, or 39 a- adults; Masterton, 185 souls, or 15G adults. The majority of those who were located at Featherston were employed on the railway works, and considerable numbers remain there ; those located at Greytown were employed by the various farmers and landowners near Greytown and in the Lower Valley; while those located at Masterton and neighbourhood have found employment, according to their several abilities, as skilled workmen or farm servants, or have, in the case of foreigners, joined their friends at the Forty-Mile Bush and Scandinavian Camp. With regard to the existing powers of this district for the absorption of immigrants, I am of opinion that a considerable number of good farm servants —men and women—really suitable for the work, and whose expectations have not become too much exalted to enable them to accept employment at fair wages, will readily find employment for some time to come, as this district as a whole is advancing very rapidly, and its resources are being developed every year, and thereby a greater quantity of land is being brought under cultivation and improvement; as a consequence of which there will, I believe, continue to be a fair demand for the services of the class of persons I have mentioned. The demand for female domestic servants has by far exceeded the supply during the whole year. I have received numerous applications from settlers from all parts of the district, who have only ceased to remind me of their wants when they have found that it was impossible for me to obtain the servants they required. I apprehend that the demand for merely ordinary labourers, such as pick and shovel men, &c.,will not, during the ensuing year, be anything like what it has been during the past one, as most of the heavy railway and other contracts are fast advancing to completion as far as the formation is concerned, and those now employed upon such contracts will shortly either have to find employment elsewhere, or content themselves with the ordinary amount of unskilled labour to be found in a district like this. It will scarcely be necessary for me to refer in this report to the unsuitableness of some of the immigrants who have arrived here, as I have already from time to time reported to you fully upon the subject. I may, however, remark that considerable difficulty has been experienced in finding employment for some of them, who would have otherwise been good servants, owing to their inability to speak English. With regard to nominated immigration, I am unable to give a more favourable report than that made by me last year. As a rule, the old settlers in the district do not appear to avail themselves very largely of the advantages of the system. Only a few nominations have been made during the year, and the majority of these have been received from recently arrived immigrants, anxious to procure passages for some of their friends whom they have left at home. A desire has been evinced on the part of some of the immigrants to acquire small blocks of land for cultivation and improvement upon some Bystem of deferred payments, coupled with assistance from the Government, to enable them to procure a permanent home for themselves in the district. I feel that if some system could be introduced upon such a footing as to insure to these people a home for themselves and families, upon such terms as would enable them, by the exercise of prudence, economy, and industry, to make it a freehold in a few years, great advantages would arise therefrom ; as the people would be permanently located upon the land, thereby carrying out what I understand to be the object of the Government in bringing them here. It would however be presumption in me to do more than call your attention to the expressed desire of these people. Having done this, I leave the carrying out of the matter to wiser heads than mine. As I understand there will not in all probability be many more immigrants sent to this district for some time to come, I do not feel it necessary to say more with regard to the various depots in the district than that, if they are used as such until the end of next financial year, small sums of money may be required to keep them in habitable repair, and the furniture and utensils in fair order. This expenditure will not, in my opinion, exceed £10 for the whole year. The present complicated and elaborate system of keeping the ration accounts, and the numerous returns which have to be prepared in consequence, appear to me to be utterly unsuited to a district like this. Here, the order is issued to the contractor, the rations are forthwith supplied to the itnmigrauts, and that is the end of the matter. It is impossible for any stores to remain on hand where the rations are not received in bulk by a Depot-master; consequently there is nothing to account for. I would therefore suggest that the keeping of such accouuts in country districts should in future be dispensed with, and that the certificate from the officer in charge of the department, attached to the contractor's voucher, should be considered sufficient guarantee for the accuracy of the accouuts. Permit me, before closing my report, to testify to the valuable assistance I have received from the constables in this district, in carrying on the business of my department. I have, &c, Joseph J. Freeth, The Immigration Officer, Wellington. Sub-Immigration Officer.

No. 7. Mr. A. Mun-ro to the Immigration Offices, Wellington. Sir, — Masterton, 21st July, 1876. In submitting my annual report of the progress of the Scandinavian. Settlements in the

7

D.—6.

Seventy-Mile Bush, I take great pleasure in stating that the two settlements Mauriceville and Eketahuna, situated in this end of the Seventy-Mile Bush, in the Wellington Province, have made considerable and satisfactory progress during the last year. The settlement of Mauriceville, situated about four miles in the bush—that is, four miles from the edge of the Seventy-Mile Bush, and extending five miles towards the interior—comprises 4,000 acres or 89 sections, and of these sections 76 are occupied by bonajide settlers, embracing 3,327 acres. All the occupants of sections in this settlement have more than fulfilled the conditions imposed upon them, in the way of clearing a certain quantity of land and laying it down in grass. The total extent cleared and laid in grass is about 750 acres, making an average of 10 acres for each settler. But this is only given as au average, as some of the settlers have as many as 20 acres felled and cleared. Every settler occupies a good-sized, comfortable, and neatly-constructed cottage, the appearance of which indicates a strong and laudable eagerness on their part to establish themselves and families in comfortable and permanent homes. They grow sufficient crops for their own consumption for the whole year, and, with extraneous assistance, they can sustain themselves and families in a favourable comparison with any settlers in the country, and provide themselves against any possible exigencies that may arise in an infant settlement in the centre of a forest. They all possess from three to ten head of cattle, besides a few sheep and horses, and I have observed that they never lose an opportunity of adding to their stock when their circumstances, pecuniarily, allow. I find that each neighbour vies with the other as to who can make the most improvements on his land, and the same, praiseworthy spirit of emulation appears to actuate the majority of them ; so that the result of such rivalry cannot but result satisfactorily, not only to themselves but to the advance and progress of the settlement. Before referring to the settlement of Eketahuna and its progress, I must allude to the employment on the public works of the Mauriceville settlers. These settlers had most favourable opportunities of benefiting themselves pecuniarily, and a great many of them availed themselves of these opportunities ; although, on the other hand, some of them devoted too much time to their land, instead of taking advantage of the works carried on in their district. Hence the inability of those to pay up their indebtedness to the Government. I must also state that, for the last eight months the work carried on in the district has not been commensurate with the number of men dependent upon public works. They had therefore to seek work in other districts. The state of education is very backward, and the absence of a school is very much felt by the children, who are very numerous and will number over eighty (80). The Board of Education has authorized the erection of a school-house in the settlement; but the contractor has not yet proceeded with the work, but I hope will do so forthwith. The settlement of Eketahuna, or Mellenskov, eighteen miles from the edge of the bush, comprises over 1,100 acres, divided into 24 sections, all of which are occupied by a very superior class of settlers. An extent of 300 acres has been cleared, making an average of nearly 13 acres per each settler. Like the settlement of Mauriceville, the land is of good quality, and the settlement itself occupies a veryimportant position on the main line of road which runs through it. These settlers have taken unerring advantage of the public works carried on in the district, and have thereby been enabled to pay up in full their indebtedness to the Government, and also instalments on account of their land. It will be unnecessary for me to state anything further as regards the progress of this settlement; by doing so I should only give a repetition of what I have already stated with regard to the settlement of Mauriceville. As no doubt district roads will be opened up in the course of a few months, affording these settlers employment, I have no hesitation in stating that those settlements will be the most thriving and successful in the North Island. Before concluding, I wish to draw the attention of the Government to the difficulties the Mauriceville settlers have to experience in consequence of the bad roads through the settlement. In this matter they are not in such a good position as the Eketahuna settlers, although they are nearer Masterton. They have to go off the main road and travel a bad by-road, whereas the Eketahuna settlers can follow the main road to their very homes. They could construct the road cheapty, and the moneys earned would, as far as they could afford, go towards paying their liabilities. I have, &c, The Immigration Officer/Wellington. Alexander Mtjnro.

No. 8. The Immigration Offices, Blenheim, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Immigration Officer's Report for the Year ended 30th June, 1876. During the past year about 200 immigrants have been introduced, who have already found employment. During the early part of the year labour was very scarce, and great disappointment existed that the expected shipload direct to this province did not arrive. Wages still continue to maintain the prices of the last two or three years. Mechanics, 10s. to 12s. per day ; labourers about town, Bs.; labourers in the country, 20s. to 2">.s. a week with board and lodging, rising at harvest time to 355. to 40s. The prospects of next year are good. I do not apprehend any reduction in the value of labour. Employment may be slack for any arriving immediately, but, as soon as spring fairly sets in, there is sure to be a demand for the services of all who are able and willing. ..Cyrus Goultkr,. Immigration Officer.

D.—6.

8

No. 9. The Immigration Officer, Hokitika, to his Honor the Superintendent. Sir, — Immigration Office, Hokitika, 21st July, 1876. I have the honor to report that during the year ended 30th June, 1876, nominations were received through this office for 177 souls, equal to 168| adults, divided as follows i —6 married couples, 17 children, 64 single men, 84 single women ; the above being a slight increase in the nominated during the previous year. The number of nominated immigrants that actually arrived during the year was 57 souls, equal to 52 adults. The number of Government immigrants that arrived during the year was 338 souls, equal to 301j adults, composed of the following nationalities : —British, 118 adults ; German, 124J adults ; Italians, 59 adults. By the foregoing, it will be seen that a very large proportion —viz., three-fifths—of the immigrants were foreigners, and some difficulty was found in getting these employment, principally owing to their being unable to speak the English language ; but ultimately, with Jackson's Bay Special Settlement to fall back on, they were all comfortably settled, the greater portion going to the settlement. The British immigrants were of a very superior class to what was formerly sent to Westland, and soon found suitable employment at fair rates of wages. I would strongly recommend that when immigrants are detained in the depot beyond three days, waiting for work, that they should be employed by the Government at a small-wage, as, from experience, I consider it a great mistake to allow them to remain idle. I would give them the option of working for so much a week while waiting for an engagement, or leaving the depot. The demand for labour is now on the increase, owing principally to the spring coming round, and the opening up of a fresh gold field at the Teremakau, known as the " Kumara rush;" it has now a population of at least 1,300, with every prospect of it increasing. The rates of wages ruling here are as follow: —Carpenters, 12s. to 14s. per day; blacksmiths, and bricklayers, 11s. to 13s. per day; tailors, 10s. to 12s. per day; labourers, 10s. per day; compositors, £3 10s. to £4 lOd. per week; agricultural labourers, 20a. to 255. per week, and found ; domestic servants for hotels, 255., 305., and 355. per week ; do., in private families, 15s. to 20s. per week; barmaids, 255. to 355. per week; machinists and dressmakers, 20s. to 30s. per week. A great demand still exists for domestic servants, very few of that class having arrived here. I have to report the depots at Greymouth and Hokitika to be all in good order, and would recommend the fencing in of the Hokitika Depot, it being a work urgently required. I have, &c, F. A. Learmonth, His Honor the Superintendent of "Westland. Immigration Officer.

No. 10. The Immigration Officer, Christchureh, to his Honor the Superintendent. Report on Immigration for the Year ending ZOth June, 1876.* Sir,— Christchurch, July, 1876. I have the honor to submit, for the information of the Honorable the Minister for Immigration, the following report upon the immigration operations in this province, for the year ending 30th June, 1876. 1. Labour Demand and Supply. —There has been a good demand for labour throughout the year, the immigrants, with very few exceptions, having met with employment on arrival; and during that period fourteen ships have arrived direct to Lyttelton, aud one part shipment has been forwarded from Port Chalmers. The total number introduced has been 3,669 souls, equal to 3,168J statute adults, as against 7,298 souls, equal to 6,037 statute adults introducer! during the previous year. The following is a summary of the trades and occupations of immigrants of fifteen years and upward: — Males. Agricultural Labourers ... ... 664 Shoemakers ... ... ... 21 Gardeners ... ... ... 24 Plumbers ... ... ... 5 General Labourers ... ... 295 Butchers ... ... ... 8 Miners ... ... ... 31 Bakers ... ... ... 2 Navvies ... ... ... 22 Millers ... ... ... 5 Platelayers ... ... ... 6 Painters ... ... ... 8 Bricklayers ... ... ... 10 Plasterers ... ... ... 2 Brickmakers ... ... ... 7 Printers ... ... ... 4 Masons ... ... ... 20 Sawyers ... ... ... 9 Carpenters ... ... ... 77 Quarry men ... ... ... 3 Joiners ... ... ... 32 Wheelwrights ... ... ... 4 Coachbuilders ... ... ... 3 Millwrights ... ... ... 3 Blacksmiths ... ... ... 39 Saddlers ... ... ... 6 Engineers ... ... ... 10 Cabinetmakers ... ... ... 2 Titters ... ... ... 7 Coopers... ... ... ... 1 Shepherds ... ... ... 13 Gaxfitters ... ... ... 1 Grooms ... ... ... 9 Miscellaneous ... ... ... 53 Tailors ... ..» ... 17 • Note.—Tables furnished by Mr. March, giving detailed particulars respecting each shipment of immigrants to the province, have been omitted, the information being already printed, vide D. —5.

9

D.—6

Single ."Women. General Servants... ... ... 306 ■ Machinists ... ... ... 1 Tailoresses ... ... ... 4 Laundresses ... ... ... 8 Housekeepers ... ... ... 11 Needlewomen ... ... ... 1 Housemaids ... ... ... 48 Milliners ... ... ... 5 Dressmakers ... ... ... 18 Cooks ... ... ... 26 Dairymaids ... ... ... 52 Governesses ... ... ... 5 Weavers ... ... ... 1 Farm Servants ... ... ... 4 Nursemaids ... ... ... 26 Miscellaneous ... ... ... 9 Total Labour—Males, 1,425; Females, 522 ; Total, 1,947. 2. Character and suitability of Immigrants. —I am again pleased to report that the immigrants introduced have been of good character, and, with few exceptions, suitable for the requirements of the province. 8. Bates of Wages. —The rates of wages have not altered since my last annual report; they are as follows: —Married couples for farms and stations, £60 to £70 per annum ; married men with families, ss. to 6s. per day, with cottage found; married men for bush work, 6s. to 7s. per day; grooms and coachmen, £40 to £50 ; shepherds, £50 to £60 and found ; gardeners, £50 to £55 ; single men, for farms and stations, £40 to £55; masons, bricklayers, carpenters, and plasterers, 10s. to 12s. rer day; blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coopers, coachmakers, and plumbers, 9s. to 10s. per day ; shoemakers and tailors, £2 10s. to £3 per week (piece-work) ; general labourers, 6s. to Bs. per day. Single women — domestic servants —cooks, £30 to £40 per annum and found ; general servants, £20 to £30 per annum and found. 4. Nominated System, how working. —The system still continues to work satisfactorily, although the number nominated is not so great as last year The total number nominated at the Christchurch office during the year ending 30th June last, was 748 souls, equal to 65S statute adults, as against 1,662 souls, equal to 1,427 statute adults nominated during the previous year. The number who have arrived under the system for the year ending 30th June was 43 families, comprising 105 souls, equal to 121 statute adults, 88 singlo men, and 105 single women, total, 358 souls, equal to 314 statute adults, as against SB6 souls, equal to 728 statute adults for the preceding year. 5. Special Settlements. —No special settlements have been formed. The immigrants are, however, located in the country districts, where there is the greatest demand for labour. 6. Hecovsry of Bills and Promissory Notes. —I am pleased to report that some progress has been made during the past year (and more especially during the last six mouths) in collecting the outstanding debt on Immigration. The total amount collected has been £879 16s. 2d.; of this sum £87 10s. was received during the first half of the year, and £592 6s. 2d. during the last six months. Arrangements have also been made with a large number of immigrants to pay oft" their debt by small monthly instalments. The total amount of bills and notes in my hands for collection on the 30th June last was £19,082 10s. lOd. 7. General Remarks. —Of the fourteen ships which have arrived, two were placed in quarantine, but the detention was only for a few days. The health of the immigrants has been good ; the dietary scale, and the treatment they received during the passage, have given general satisfaction; and no complaints of any importance have been made. The conditions of the charter-party have, on the whole, been carefully complied with. In two instances, where the Commissioners found there had been an infringement, a penalty of £30 in each case was imposed. During the past year I have registered fifty-three applications under the Immigrants Laud Act, the amount the applicants are entitled to for the purchase of land being £2,380. The amount of land purchased under the Act during the year was 240 acres, representing £480. The total number of applications registered under the Act to the 30th June is 112, and the total amount represented £4,950. I have, &c, J. E. March, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 11. The Immigration Officer, Timaru, to the TTndee Secketaex for Immigration. Sic, — Immigration Office, Timaru, Bth July, 1876. In reply to your circular dated May 20th, I have the honor to lay before you the following report on immigration in my district for the year ending 30th June, 1876: — 1. The total number of immigrants arrived here during that period was 1,085 souls, equal to 974 adults. 2. The number nominated from this office during the same period was 270 souls, equal to 251 adults. 3. The number of nominated immigrants who arrived was 113 souls, equal to 96| adults. The class and character of the immigrants who have arrived is very satisfactory. They have had no difficulty in obtaining work, nor do I anticipate difficulty during the winter months for a limited number. I have, &c, C. E. Haughton, Esq., F. Le Cren, Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer. 3-D. 6.

D.—6

10

No. 12. The Immigration Offices, Dunedin, to the Under Seceetaet for Immigration, Wellington. Sic, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, July, 1876. I have the honor to furnish, for the information of tho Hon. the Minister of Immigration, the following report relating to immigration to this province during the year ending 30th June, 1876. As a return of the number of immigrants who arrived during tho said period will be furnished in a tabulated form from the Head Office, it is not necessary to give the information here. In last year's report, I had occasion to notice the marked improvement that had taken place in respect to the class of immigrants who had arrived during the year. 1 have, pleasure in reporting that those introduced during the year now ended have evidently been selected with still greater care, with a view to supply the special requirements of the province. The larger proportion being brought up to farming operations, they proved a suitable addition to our population. It is not advisable to offer inducements to emigrate to certain classes of mechanics and tradesmen, such as engineers, engine-fitters, boiler-makers, blacksmiths, iron-moulders, tinsmiths, painters, and bakers, as the numbers of each class introduced during the last three years are quite sufficient to supply the demands of the province for at least a few years to come. There can be no doubt that the partial suspension of immigration during the winter months has been attended with good results. It had the effect of keeping the labour market from being glutted at a time of the year when labour is scarce and the weather unfavourable, and of affording a number of the erratic labouring classes a chance of settling down to steady employment. Although the prospects of regular employment for the working classes during the winter months looked rather gloomy in the early part of the season, I am glad to report that the result turned out different from what was anticipated. There has hitherto been no lack of work either in the city or the country districts ; and, as far as I can judge from observation and report, the demand for labour is likely to continue good during the remaining portion of the winter months. There is also an increasing demand for female servants for both town and country. The numbers who have arrived during last season have not supplied anything like the requirements of the province. ■ I have, &c, Colin Allan, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 13. The Immigration Officee, luvercargill, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Sic, — Immigration Oflice, Invcreargill, 10th July, 1876. In reply to your circular of 20th May last, I have the honor to furnish my annual report as Immigration Officer, and have considered it not unadvisable to furnish the Government with tables, showing at a glance the palpable results of the scheme of public immigration since its active operation in this particular subdivision of the colony, as from the 16th April, 1572, to 30th June, 1876. Table A gives the number of immigrants nominated by residents in the colony for the above period, together with their nationalities ; the total number nominated amounting to 4,630 souls. As I have always been of opinion that this is ihe best description of immigration to be obtained, I have given it earnest attention, and pushed it as much as possible. Table B gives the number of assisted immigrants landed at the Bluff for the year Ist July, 1875, to 30th June, 1876, to be 1,273; and for the period April, 1872, to June, 1876. 3,502 souls. Table C gives the number of nominated immigrants arrived at the Bluff direct, or transhipped coastwise from April, 1872, to June, 1876, to be 709 souls ; making with table B a total of 4,211 souls, assisted and nominated, arrived during that period. Keturn D gives the number of immigrants landed at the Bluff by direct shipment from the Home country during the year to be 1,239 souls, i.e. assisted. Eeturn E gives the number of nominated immigrants landed at the Bluff direct and coastwise, during the year, viz. 114 souls. I may state generally that all these immigrants have been absorbed without any difficulty or hesitation at remunerative prices, except those by the " Carrick Castle," an exceptionally bad lot, difficult to place. Indeed, as the arrivals during this year have shown a marked improvement in physique and moral culture, they have met with ready employment; and I am inclined to think that this district could absorb without inconvenience, at fair prices, from 800 to 900 able-bodied immigrants—really trained to agricultural and domestic service—yearly, for the next three years. As regards the prospects of labour during the winter, the continuation of the railway lines from Gore to Balclutha, Winton to Kingston, and completion of the western district, eight lines of rail, would doubtless relieve tho present glut of labour in the market, and afford its encouragement on as yet untilled farms, by placing the interior in favorable communication with the sea-board. I have, <fee, Walter 11. Pearson, The Under Secretary for Immigration, "Wellington. Immigration Officer. Note.—lt has not been thought necessary to print the tabloß attached to this report, tho information being already hi the Immigration returns.

11

D.—G

No. 14 The Immigration Offices, Kiverton, to the Undee Seceetaet for Immigbatioit. Sic, — Immigration Office, Eiverton, Bth July, 1876. I have the honor to report that the immigrants introduced into the Western District during the last year have been absorbed at generally remunerative wages. There has been within the district a considerable drawback to the profitable constant employment of unskilled hands owing to the irregularity of the works on the Western District railways, amounting, for some considerable time, to the near cessation thereof. The hands employed have mostly betaken themselves to farm labour of some kind or other, and wages have not suffered much diminution. There is still a large demand for female servants, at high rates of wages, the recently-arrived single female immigrants having, as a rule, got married immediately on their arrival. I give it, as the result of my own observation, that the class of immigrants introduced under the free system have not been equal either in respectability of character or physical capability to those introduced under the nomination system. I have found a large proportion of the recent arrivals who have landed almost destitute of anything like suitable clothing for the colony, the articles brought out with them being altogether useless. These persons have generally complained to me that matters were considerably misrepresented to them by the Home Agents; and, judging from the style of clothing (such as it has been) which they have brought out, they appear to nave been under the impression that the colony was much farther advanced than it really is. The impression seems to have been that all classes could be readily absorbed at something or other; and I take it as a convincing proof of the capabilities of this district that the really unsuitable hands which have arrived have so readily been taken up, and that so little difficulty has arisen. I venture to suggest that, in any further effort in the way of immigration, it will be wise for the Government to return to the nomination system. If the stream be not so abundant for a short time, the value of the new-comers will sensibly operate here. The effect of a return to the nomination system will be, that instead of drawing our immigrants from the towns, with the probability of encumbering ourselves with hands comparatively useless, for at least a year or two after arrival, we shall receive them from the country districts of the old country. The duty falling upon the immigrant on liis arrival will thus not be sensibly difficult from that which he has been used to at home. If .any exception be made in favour of town hands, it should bo confined to workmen of real handicraft trades, —blacksmiths, stonemasons, wheelwrights, and carpenters, will be welcome for years to come ; but as to those who are of no trado and have not thorough physical capabilities for labour, it is a cruelty to themselves to introduce them. I have, &c., C. E. Haughton, Esq., . Theopuilus Daniel, Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Agent. By Authority: Geoege Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.^-1576. Price 9d.]