IMMIGRATION. (FURTHER LETTERS TO THE AGENT-GENERAL.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1878 Session I, D-01a

D.—lA

1878. NEW ZEALAND. IMMIGRATION. (FURTHER LETTERS TO THE AGENT-GENERAL.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. The Hon. Mr. Stout to the Agott-G-eneeal. Sic,— Wellington, 3rd October, 1878. Referring to your letter of the 21st May,* and the Hon. Mr. Maeandrew's reply of the 11thJuly,t I have now the honor to address you. 1. In regard to the nationality of immigrants : This is a question of much importance, and one on which it is difficult to lay down any hard and fast rule. The question of primary importance is the character of the proposed emigrant, and his (or her) suitability for colonial life. If the character is good, and the emigrant possesses qualities that will enable him (or her) to become a good colonist, the place of birth is of no importance. The South Australian Government has gone in a direction that the New Zealand Government have no wish to follow. In order, however, to get rid of this question of nationality, the Government think if, as a general rule, the following proportions were observed, no question will be raised by those who, in the colony, object to one nationality being alone encouraged. Assume that the total number of emigrants to be sent is fourteen, then, if seven came from England and Wales, four from Ireland, and three from Scotland, the proportion would be fair; and I have to request that, so far as possible, you will endeavour to maintain that proportion. I need not here point out that in the past these proportions have not been adhered to. 2. As to the destination of emigrants : Complaints have been made that the emigrants from Ireland have been sent mainly to Otago ; and I have therefore to request you will, as far as circumstances permit, distribute them throughout the colony. 3. Employment of Agents : In your letter of the 21st May, 1878, enclosing a letter from Mr. Ottywell, reference is made to the employment of Mr. Jamieson, of Sandness. If his services could be utilized for the encouragement of female domestic servants and small farmers to emigrate to New Zealand, the Government would like to have him employed upon such terms as you may consider desirable. 4. Demands are coming in from all parts of the colony for more labour. The want is specially felt at the present time ; for instance, in the Wanganui and Manawatu Districts much difficulty is experienced in procuring men to carry out existing railway contracts, &c. There is also, at this the worst season of the year, complaints of the almost impossibility of procuring farm labourers, and the settlers express doubts, that when harvest time arrives they will be unable to obtain the necessary labour to secure their crops. Erom Poverty Bay District similar complaints have been sent in as tothe great scarcity of shepherds, ploughmen, general servants, &c. I have merely cited these instances, but the rule will hold good for the whole colony ; and the Government believe there will be employment for far more immigrants than they have authorized you to send. 5. In your letter of the 21st May, you refer to the carelessness of the Agents in Ireland in the selection of emigrants. The Government believe, judging from the class of many of the Irish now in the colony, that there are parts in Ireland that could furnish as good colonists as in any part of the United Kingdom, and they hope that you will urge the Agents, as far as possible, to be careful in the class they select. 6. The method of the late Provincial Government of Otago, referred to by Mr. Andrew and Mr. Ottywell, should be still followed out—viz., that, though emigration does not cease, no large number of immigrants should arrive in the colony during the winter season. I have, &c, Eobket Stout, The Agent-General, London. Minister for Immigration. * Vide D.-2., page 16. f Vide D.-1., page 15. By Authority : Geobge Didsbt/by, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB7B. Price 3d.]