CONVEYANCE OF EMIGRANTS AND CARGO (TENDERS FOR THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1877 Session I, D-03a

D._.3a

1877. NEW ZEALAND.

CONVEYANCE OF EMIGRANTS AND CARGO (TENDERS FOR THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. No. 1. Messrs. Levin and Co. to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. Sir,— New Zealand, "Wellington, 31st March, 1876. We are instructed by Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co., of London, to tender on their behalf for the further conveyance from London to usual ports in New Zealand of Government immigrants and material at under-mentioned rates :— Eor immigrants ... ... ... ... £14 per statute adult. For material, by weight ... ... ... 20s. per ton weight. „ by measurement ... ... 30s. per ton of 40 cubic feet. These rates to be the rates to be charged from expiry of present contract until 30th April, 1877, or for such other period as may be mutually agreed upon. Should you accept this tender, you have only to telegraph to the Agent-General to obtain the signature of Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co. to a formal contract in accordance therewith. We have, &c, Levin and Co. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington. No. 2. Mr. J. L. Costeh to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. The New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Sic,— AVellington, 15th April, 1876. In response to the verbal intimation given by you this morning that the Government are prepared to receive tenders for the conveyance of emigrants and carriage of cargo from London to the colony, I have the honor to intimate that this Company will be prepared to perform such services for a period of two years from the Ist of May next at the following rates : — Emigrants, per adult, £13 lGs.; the rate for children to be proportionately reduced on that now being paid. Cargo, ordinary dead weight, 20s. per ton. „ measurement, 30s. per ton. The directors have decided to tender at these exceptionally low rates in the hope that they may secure the business of the Government for a period of time which will insure the non-disturbance of their arrangements at such frequent intervals as has hitherto been the case. But, in order that the Government may have the alternative of arranging for their business for one year only, the directors, if so desired, will be prepared, though reluctantly, to convey emigrants for £13 17s. 3d. per adult, children proportionately as before; and cargo at 20s. and 30s. respectively as above. The directors desire to ask for a modification of existing conditions in respect of height of between decks, so far as regards vessels of 900 tons register, or thereabouts, which are otherwise suitable, that in such cases the minimum height required would be reduced from 7 ft. to 6 ft. 10 in. Some of the Company's vessels hitherto employed with satisfaction and success will otherwise be excluded, notably the " Waimea," " Mataura," "Waitara." You will be aware that the Board of Trade requirement is 6 ft. only, and that of most other Governments, Cft. 6 in. Iv submitting this tender, the directors desire it to be regarded as applicable only to the whole of the business of the Government, with the exception of the emigration from the Clyde to Otago. I have, &c, J. L. Costee, Chairman. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington. By Authority: Geoiige DiDSBUBY, Government Printer, Wellington. —1877. Price 3d.]