IMMIGRATION. REPORTS OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE, 1879.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1879 Session I, D-05

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1879. NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION. REPORTS OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE, 1879.

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

No. 1. The Immigbation Offices, Auckland, to the Under Seceetaey for Immigration. Sic, — Immigration Office, Auckland, 12th July, 1879. I have the honor to report that during the year ended 30th Juno, 1879, 633 immigrants, equal to 553 statute adults, arrived in Auckland. Of these 406 were assisted ; the remaining 227 were nominated immigrants. Six hundred and ten came in vessels direct, and 23 coastwise. I attach a return of arrivals, marked A. Five births and eight deaths occurred while the immigrants were at sea, and one birth at the depot a few days after landing. The deaths wero all those of children under two years, and no infectious disease existed. The immigrants found little difficulty in obtaining employment. They appeared an average class, and mostly suited for colonial life. One hundred and thirtyeight were young women suitable for domestic service, 159 were farm labourers ; and for both of thesa classes the demand was much greater than the supply. This unsatisfied demand may be accounted for by the fact that most of the single women get married within a year of arrival; while many of the young men who emigrate as farm labourers are either not strictly so, or prefer to remain in town at higher wages, doing ordinary labourers' work. A great demand still exists for single women suitable for domestic service, dairymaids, good cooks of either sex, ploughmen, farm labourers, and good farm hands ; but for mechanics, more particularly of the iron and wood trades, there is no demand. I enclose scale of current wages and provisions, marked B. The nominated system is much more beneficial than the assisted. The immigrants coming out under the former almost invariably find homes and employment on landing, while the assisted are not always so fortunate ; and iv the case of married men with large families many difficulties present themselves. Taken as a whole the assisted immigrants are inferior, both physically and morally, to the nominated. The nominations made during the year amounted to 1,219 souls, equal to 1,019$ statute adults ; as against 578, equal to 496, of the previous year. The sum of £201 7s. 6d. in cash has been deposited as payment in advance for outfit and passages of the persons nominated. The amount received on this account during the previous year was £45 10s. This shows the increasing prosperity of this district, and also the eagerness of the public to avail themselves of the advantages of the nomination system. Many of the nominators have not been more than six years in the colony, but are possessed of considerable property. Among these may be found a number of Government immigrants who are now hotelkeepers, farmers, country storekeepers, master mechanics, aud in Government employ. The bills given by assisted immigrants are in most cases worthless, and many of them are now of five or six years' standing. The collector states that the bulk of these people are in poor circumstances, with large families. Many have left the district, others are dead, and the remainder are so scattered over the couutry that the collector says it is impossible for him to visit them unless he is provided with a free passage on the railways and local steamboats, or a higher rate of commission. The sum of £52 has been collected on account of immigrants' promissory notes during the year; but as the Government now intend to institute summary proceedings for the recovery of these moneys, a much larger sum will bo realized during the ensuing financial year. The unpaid promissory notes on hand on the 30th June, 1879, represented £8,123 6s. lOd. Tho immigrants' cottages having been all disposed of, no revenue has been derived from this source. The gross revenue received amounted to £313 9s. 6d. D. 5.—1.

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The depots at Auckland aud the quarantine station at Motu Ihi are in a good state of repair. Tho latter has not been required for quarantine purposes during the year. I have, &c, Edward Brophy, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Acting Immigration Officer.

Enclosure A in No. 1. RETURN of IMMIGRANTS arrived at AUCKLAND during the Year ending 30th June, 1879.

Enclosure B in No. 1. Rates of Wages at Auckland. Tradesmen, per day of eight hours. —Bakers, 48s. to 60s. (per week) ; blacksmiths, Bs. to 125.; bookbinders, 7b. to hu. ; brewers, 7s. to Bs.; bricklayers, 9s. to lis. ; brickmakers, 6s. to Bs. ; butchers, 30s. to 50s. (per week) ; carpenters, Bs. to 10s. ; cabinetmakers, Bs. to lis.; carters and wagoners, 7s. to Bs.; coachbuilders, 9s. to 10s. ; coal-miners, 7s. to 9s. (or 2s. 6d. per ton) ; coopers, 7s. to Bs. ; engineers, 10s. to 145.; founders, 10s.; gardeners, ss. to 75.; masons, 12s. to 145.; millers, 10s.; miners, Bs. ; painters (house), Bs. to 9s. ; painters (coach), 9s. to 10s.; paperhangers, Bs. to 95.; plasterers, 10s. to 135.; plumbers, Bs. to 95.; printers- —compositors Bs. to l's. (Is. per thousand), pressmen 40s. (per week), lithographers 50s. (per week) ; ropunakers, 6s. to 7s. ; saddlers, 455. to 50s. (per week); sailmakers, 9s. to 10s.; shipwrights, 10s. to 125.; sawmill hands, 6s. to 7s. ; shoemakers, 40s. to 50s. (per week) ; slaters, 9s. to lis. ; tailors, 50s. to 555. (per week) ; tanners and curriers, 7s. to Bs. ; watch and clock makers, 9s. to 125.; wheelwrights, 9s. to 10s.; general labourers, ss. to 7s. Female Hands, per week. —Shopwomen, 50s. to 60s. ; dressmakers, 20s. to 305.; milliners, 30s. to 40s. ; needlewomen, 3s. to ss. (per day) ; machinists, 40s. to 50s. Farm and S/ation Hands, per week. —Ploughmen, 15s. to 20s. ; shepherds, 12s. to 155.; married couples, £65 to £75 (per annum) ; dairymaids, 10s. to 125.; general hands, ss. to 6s. Domestic Servants, per week. —Cooks, 10s. to 125.; housemaids, 9s. to 10s. ; nursemaids, 6s. to Bs.; laundresses, 10s. to 12s. ; general servants, 10s. to 12s. Prices of Provisions. —Bread, 7d. per 41b. loaf; beef, 3id. to 6d. per lb. ; mutton, 2\H. to sd. per lb.; butter, Is. 6d. to Is. 9d. per lb. ; tea, 2s. to 3s. per lb. ; sugar, 4\d. to 6Jd. per lb. ; coffee, Is. 6d. to Is. Bd. per lb.; cheese, 9d. to Is. per lb.; potatoes, Bs. to lis. per cwt. ; clothing, 14 to 20 per cent, over English retail prices. Edward Beophy, Acting Immigration Officer.

No. 2. The Immigbation Offices, Napier, to the L txder Seceetaby for Immigbation. Sir — Immigration Office, Napier, 30th June, 1879. In accordance with instructions, I have the honor to forward my report for the year ending 30th June, 1879. The number of immigrants who have arrived during the year is as follows: —Per " City of Auckland," via Wellington, October, 1878 —30 married couples, 86 single men, 58 single women, 34 children and infants —equal to 19Si- statute adults; per " Adamant," lltli January, 1879 —32 married couples, 94 single men, 71 single women, 49 children and infants —equal to 249 i statute adults; per "Warwick," vid Wellington, 11th March, 1879—1 single man ; per " Hudson," vid Wellington, 17th March, IS7<) —5 married couples, 16 single men, 4 single women, 8 children and infants—equal to 331- statute adults ; per " Stad Haarlem," vid Wellington, 24th April, 1879 —4 married couples, 5 single men, 5 single women, and 4 children —equal to 20 statute adults : making a total of 557 souls, or 502* adults. The number of nominations received up to date of closing last list is 234 souls.

Adults. Chil Idren. To' ;al. IB I Date. Ship. SI. F. M. Y. Souls. Adults. 1878. September 28 ... October 19 1S79. January 17 March 4 June 11 June 28 Lebu May Queen Maraval Warwick Loch Dee Isle of Bute 2 103 127 14 6 G "87 130 6 7 3 "30 32 3 5 2 21 28 "V 10 2 248 327 23 21 12 2 2154 287 21* 16* 10^ 4 1 Total ... 257 233 72 54 17 633 553 Nationality of the above.— English, 329; Iri ;otal, 633. h, 268 ; Scotc Ed h, 31; Austri (TABS Bkopiit. Acting Im alian, 1 ; Gern lan, 1 : [migration Offici T.

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As a rule the immigrants who have arrived here have proved healthy and suitable, while the paucity of indifferent characters shows careful selection. Owing to the general depression, there is very little demand for ordinary labour. Some employers having reduced their establishments, there are several men now out of employ. Ploughmen who thoroughly understand their work, good farm labourers, especially those accustomed to work with machinery, aud female servants, will for a long time readily find employment at good wages. I have, Ac, J. T. Tylee, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 3. The Immigration Officer, New Plymouth, to theUNDEE Seceetaey for Immigration. Sic,— Immigration Office, New Plymouth, Bth July, 1879. I have the honor to report on the immigration connected with this district for the year ending 30th June, 1879. Number of immigrants, free and nominated, arrived during the year—souls, 234; adults, 172*. The immigrants sent to this district were absorbed at once—no difficulty in finding employment at high wages. There is great demand for single women. The immigrants sent to this district have mostly settled down to colonial life in its various phases, giving satisfaction to their employers. Their conduct has been good. There has been very little sickness. Up to the present date there has been no dearth of employment. The railway extends several miles beyond Inglewood, and will be open to Stratford (thirteen miles) in a short time. I hope to see the railroad and macadamized road completed through to Normanby before twelve months. There is an immense quantity of good land available, which can be taken up on easy terms, convenient to this line. Foreign immigrants sent to this district are industrious and provident, and the concession made in allowing persons to nominate their friends will give satisfaction. I have, &c, C. A. Stapp, Bt. Major, Immigration Officer at Taranaki. The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington.

No. 4. The Immigration Officer, Wellington, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Sir,— Immigration Office, Wellington, 9th July, 1879. I have the honor to forward my annual report ou immigration to this port tor the year ending 30th June, 1879. I attach a return showing the number of ships and also of immigrants who have arrived during that period. There has been little difficulty in placing all these immigrants. It being now the middle of winter there appears to be no demand for labour. A good many men are out of work, especially carpenters ; a number have applied to me for advice, and to help them find work. lam in hopes, as finer weather sets in, aud tho contemplated City Corporation work is started, all here will be able to find work ; aud I think that when the harvesting and shearing commence labour will be in demand. I am informed that a great many from tho West Coast of tho Middle Island have found their way across to Wanganui on this Island, and that at the present time there is little demand there for labour. AVhen 1 visited the Wairarapa a short time since there appeared to be no demand ; but I see by the papers that the men ou the railway-line have struck, asking that their wages may be raised from 7s. 6d. to Bs. per diem. The high rate of wages still asked appears to me to act very much against the employment of labour; and I think there would be very few out of work now if they were only content to take fair wages. I attach a letter which appeared in one of the evening papers of the 9th instant on the subject. There is still a good demand for single women for servants. The health of the immigrants, with the exception of those by the " Hermione," which ship had to be put in quarantine for typhoid fever, has been good. The number of nominations, especially during the last six months, has very much increased, being 1,801 for this year, as against 901 last year. If a fair proportion of the number nominated avail themselves of the passage-orders sent Home, I think it would not be advisable to further increase the number for this port until the prospects of employment are better than they are at present. There are now two ships on the way out with immigrants—the " Orari," shortly expected at Lyttelton with immigrants for that port, and also 129 for Wellington and other ports ; the "Rakaia" left about the beginning of June with 295 souls for Wellington and Napier. The amount of cash received during the year is as follows: —viz., Passages and outfits, £531 7s. 6d. ; on account of promissory notes, £79 65.; sundries, £24 35.; rent of immigrants' cottages, £187 10s. : total, £822 6s. 6d. ' I have, &c, James B. Redwaed, Immigration Officer for Wellington, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington.

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Enclosure 1 in No. 4. RETURN of IMMIGRANTS arrived in WELLINGTON for the Year ending 30th June, 1879.

Enclosure 2 in No. 4. The Immigbation Question. Sic — I am really astonished at the pitiful outcry being raised by interested persons against further immigration into this colony. Here are thousands of working-men at Home absolutely starving ; and to the cry of distress that goes up from their midst their brethren in this colony, instead of extending a helping hand to them, close their ears, harden their hearts, shut up their bowels of compassion, and virtually say, "Let them starve, with their wives and children ; keep them away from this fair land of ours at any risk, lest the exorbitant wages which we are at present earning should be reduced one iota." Away with such cold-blooded, diabolical selfishness! In this country there is yet room for thousands; and let it not be said, to our everlasting shame, when a fellow-creature, struggling to keep his head above water, appealed to us for help, we allowed him to perish rather than extend to him a helping hand. Sir, I hold that it would be the best thing that could happen, both to the working-classes and to the colony at large, if their present exorbitant wages were reduced by one-third. Why is it that we are unable to develop so many of our industries, and compete with other markets? Because labour can only be obtained on terms which are simply prohibitive. Never will New Zealand become a thoroughly prosperous country, never will her great riches become developed, until the working-man becomes content with a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. I deny that the present high rate of wages is any advantage to him. And why? Because he has to pay proportionately high for all the necessaries and luxuries of life. How many working men, now that there is a little financial "tightness," are any the better for the " flush times " of a few months ago, when labourers were refusing 15s. a day, and the harvest had to rot on the fields in consequence? They either squandered their money in dissipation, or threw it away in worthless sections of laud or other equally mad speculations. Now, because times are not quite so good—though still their lot is princely compared with that of their starving brethren at Horne —they run like spoilt children to the Government, and urge them to "provide for them," and to prevent auy unfortunate fellow-creature who may be willing to work for wages which, while reasonable, are not extortionate, from entering the country. Why are rents so high in Wellington ? Partly because the working men, by throwing away their wages in laud speculations, fostered the "land mania," and raised the price of sections in the city and suburbs to an absurd and fictitious figure; but principally on account of the extravagant wages demanded by the men engaged in the construction of houses. In the same way cause and effect could be traced between the inflated price which has to be paid for every article of consumption, aud the inflated conditions under which our labour-market has lately existed. In any case, sir, let us not thrust away a fellow-creature from our shores to die, when a helping hand would be the means of preserving him to a happy and useful life, aud assisting him to develop our young community into a great and prosperous country. I have, Ac, The Editor of the Evening Post, Philo.

No. 5. The Immigration Officeb, Nelson, to the Undeb Seceetaey for Immigbation. Sib, — Immigration Office, Nelson. I have the honor to report that during the year three vessels arrived at this port from England with immigrants—namely, the " Edwin Fox," the " Fernglen," and the " Warwick."

Name3 of Ships. Date of Arrival. Adults. Children. ! j i Nominated. For other Ports. Total Arrived. Total remaining in Wellington. Souls. Souls. Souls. I Adults. Souls. Adults. 1878. [nvercargill, to Dunediu Ui'dea Vbeona Drari itikaia 3ity of Auckland Sdwiu Fox 3orina ST. Monarch, (o Ohriitch. Adamant ... lermione ... August 4 „ 20 Sept. 16 Oct. 8 2 1 2 5 119 17 33 1 3 2 110 1 4 1 2 125 8 21 1 3 2 1 1 3 17 2 4 <; 7 5 10 HI 5 6 7 5 10 283 29 68 5 3 8 301 4* fi 4 8i 261 27 60£ 3 3 Bt 287i 6 7 5 10 277 29 68 5 3 8 241 4 6 4 8J 250 27 60J 3 3 6i 222 17 2 9 2 5 1 1 G August 20 5 3 8 83 1 9G 1 16 "a 16 3 63 "'ernglcn ... iVarwick ... ilucUon itad Haarlem Dee. 15 1S79. Jan. 5 March 7 „ 14 April 18 46 32 112 72 27 26 71 50 13 15 11 27 8 L2 17 26 6 4 4 6 55 86 71 137 66 237 155 215 223 soot 130 197 187i 100 89 215 180 83i 72 197 1471 43 557 434 119 108 30 435 315 1,558 l,375i 1,213 1,100

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The " Edwin Pox " landed at Nelson 241 souls, equal to 223 adults, which were distributed as under —namely, Taranaki, 5 ; Wellington, 68 ; Marlborough, 54 ; Westland, 55 ; Nelson, 62 : total, 244. The " Fernglen " did not land auy of her passengers at Nelson, the Immigration Officer having received orders to send the ship on to Wellington, from which port they were transhipped to their respective destinations. The " Warwick " landed at Nelson 61 souls, equal to 55 adults, which wero distributed as under— namely, Auckland, 23 ; Taranaki, 8 ; Marlborough, 12 ; Westland, 8 ; Nelson, 10: total, 61. The remainder of the immigrants —namely, 142 souls, equal to 116 adults —being for Wellington and the southern ports, proceeded in the ship to Wellington. With regard to future immigration to Nelson, I can strongly recommend the introduction of female domestic servants, say from twenty-five to thirty every three months. They would readily obtain situations at wages from Bs. to 12s. per week. I can also recommend the introduction of a very few farm labourers. Tho rate of wages remains unaltered. One hundred and ninety-six nominations have been received during the year. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Alfeed Gbeenfield, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

■Ml II II I I ■ 1.1 No. G. The Immigbation Offices, Hokitika, to the Undee Seceetaey for Immigbation. Sic, — Immigration Office, Hokitika, Ist July, 1879. I have the honor to forward for your information the following report of the Immigration Department, Westland District, for the year ended 30th June, 1879 : — The number of nominations received at this office during the year was 187 souls, equal to 17G-J- adults, being a decrease of 31J adults on the previous year. This decrease is due to the fact of instructions having been received that Irish nominations were only to be accepted proportionately with other nationalities; in consequence of which numbers of Irish nominations had to be retained at this office until nominations of other nationalities had accumulated to the required proportions to enable me to forward, them to Wellington, thus leaving me with many Irish nominations not forwarded on the 30th June. The accepted nominations aro as follows : —Married men, 12 ; married women, 15 ; widows, 3 ; single men, 07 ; single women, 69; children, 21: the occupations of some of whom are as follows :— General labourers, 8 ; carpenters, 0 ; miners, 0 ; farm labourers, 27 ; blacksmiths, 2 ; general servants, 51; dressmakers, 3 ; dam maids, 3 ; bricklayer, 1; engineers and foundrymen, 4. The number of nominated immigrants who arrived during the year was 50, who immediately on arrival were taken away by their friends; and many of them whom I occasionally see appear to be getting on well. During the year very few assisted immigrants arrived, as, on account of the general depression in trade on this coast, there was very little demand for labour ; so it was recommended that those immigrants who were shipped for Westland should be sent to other parts of the colony, where they w rould obtain employment more easily. But during the next season I would recommend that some single men and women should be sent here, as, tho railway between this place and Greymouth having been commenced, and as there is a probability of tho railway to the East Coast being undertaken during the next year, there would be a field open for employment; also, the mining on the coast has improved very much lately, aud fresh ground is being opened up, which will give employment to many persons. I have to report the depots at Hokitika and Greymouth to bo in fair order. Some slight repairs are required to bo made to the roof of the Hokitika Depot, and the ground surrounding ihe Greymouth Depot requires draining' —concerning which I have communicated with the District Engineer, in consequence of having received from him a circular requesting me to give him an estimate of amount required for repairs, &c, to the Government buildings under my charge during the financial year ending 30th June, 1880. Tho amount estimated for both buildings was £35. During the year no money has been collected ou immigrants' promissory notes ; but I trust, and am of opinion, that 1 shall receive payment within a short time on account of some of the bills that I hold. I have, etc., The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, William Alexandee Spence, Wellington. . Immigration Officer.

No. 7. The Immigbation Officee, Christchurch, to the Undee Seceetaey for Immigbation. Sic, —■ Immigration Office, Christchurch, 30th June, 1879. I have the honor to forward herewith the report on immigration to the District of Canterbury for the year ending 30th June, 1879. During the past year nine ships have arrived direct to Lyttelton with immigrants, conveying 2,921 souls, equal to 2,573 statute adults ; as against 2.105 souls, equal to 1,878 statute adults, introduced during the previous year. The total number of immigrants introduced into this district since the passing of the Immigration and Public Works Act has been 20,370 souls, equal to 22,254 statute adults.

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The following is the return of the ships conveying immigrants during the past year, showing date of arrival, length of passage, number shipped, number lauded, aud the births and deaths on the passage : —

The number is classified as follows :— 380 families, comprising 1,383 souls... ... ... = 1,035 statute adults. Single men ... ... ... ... ... 9^2 „ Single women ... ... ... ... ... 636 „ Total, 2,921 souls ... ... = 2.573 The following is a return of the trades and occupations of .the immigrants introduced, viz.: — Mules —Farm labourers, 960 ; general labourers, 71 ; gardeners, 35 ; carpenters aud joiners, 32 ; wheelwrights, 14 ; sawyers,!; coopers, 2; painters, 1; slaters, 3 ; brickmakers, 8 ; ironmculders, 3; plasterers, 2 ; shoemakers, 22 ; letterpress printer, 1 ; printer, 1; shepherds, 9 ; bootmaker, 1; blacksmiths, 4; bakers, 3 : tailors, 4; saddler, 1; bricklayers, 10; plumber, 1; brassmoulder, 1; masons, 30 ; miscellaneous, 33 : total, 1,253. Females. —-General servants, 399 ; farm servants, 40; cooks, 24 ; housemaids, 46 ; housekeepers, 4; nurses, 29; nursemaids, 2; drapers' assistant, 1; rug-cutter, 1; tailoresses, 2; dressmakers, 4; laundrymaids, 2 ; parlourmaid, 1 ; teachers, 2 ; matron (infirmary), 1 ; miscellaneous, 9 : total, 567. Tne nationality was as follows: —-English, 1,819; Irish, 809 ; Scotch, 193 ; Welsh, 45 ; Channel Islands, 18 ; Canadian,!; French, 3 ; Belgian, 2 ; American,!: total, 2,921 souls. Tue rates of wages have been as follows : —Married couples for farms and stations, £50 to £65 per annum and found ; men with families, ss. to 6s. per day with cottage ; shepherds, £50 to £60 per annum and found ; single men for farms and stations, £35 to £52 per annum and found; masons, bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, blacksmiths, coopers, wheelwrights, painters, and plumbers, 9s. to 12s. per day; general labourers, 6s. to 7s. per day; single women —cooks £30 to £40 per anuum and found, general servants £20 to £30 per annum and found. The class of immigrants introduced this year into this district has been on the whole satisfactory, and the inspecting officers were gratified with the discipline maintained, and the general conduct of the immigrants generally. There were, however, :i few exceptions, which I reported at the time to the Government ; notably in tho case of tho ship " Boyne :" here it was found that frequent quarrels had arisen amongst the immigrants, and also among the crew ; the chief cause of which had been the sale of spirits, which formed the subject of a special inquiry, and resulted in the captain's gratuity beiug withheld, and the sum of £25 being deduced from that payable to the surgeon. The case of the ship " Piako "is one deserving of some special notice. This vessel left Plymouth on the 11th of October last with 2SS immigrants ; and on the 11th of November she was discovered to be on fire. Most providentially the barque " Loch Doon " spoke the ship soon after the fire broke out, and all the immigrants were safely transferred to her and taken to Pernambuco. Captain Boyd, of the " Piako," remained by his ship, and followed the "Loch Doon" to Pernambuco, arriving there on the 15th November, four days after the ship was found to be on fire. It was impossible to get at the fire, and to save the ship she was scuttled. During the detention at Pernambuco, which lasted thirty-four days, the immigrants were located on an island and treated with great kindness by the captain and surgeon of the ship, and also by the authorities at Pernambuco. It is worthy of remark that, although special arrangements had been made by the Agent-General to convey all the immigrants back to England, only thirty elected to return. The " Piako " arrived in Lyttelton on the sth of March last in a highly creditable condition, considering what she had passed through. An official inquiry was held on board as to the cause of tho fire ; but there was no evidence to show how it originated. It is my pleasing duty to and that the conduct of Captain Boyd, the Surgeon-Superintendent (Dr. Green), and the officers of the ship was beyond all praise. With regard to the "Stad Haarlem," I think it unnecessary to make any lengthened remarks here, as lam advised that the Inspecting Officer's report in full will bo laid before Parliament. I will only observe that it is a matter for regret that a more suitable vessel was not selected for the conveyance of so large a number of immigrants.

3 o No. Shipped. a pa a "5 o No. Landed. Souls. Adults. Remarks. Ship. Date of Arrival. d as Souls. Adults. Waitangi ... lS/s. October 17 87 319 8711 8 4=U 323 270 Quarantined on arrival. Detention, ten days. LTydaspes ... Opiwa Marlborough Novemb'r 9 December 7 „ 14 90 91 78 329 290 336 299 255 303 i 2 3 4=1 4=11 327 293 332 298 256 302 Quarantined on arrival. Detention, seven days. Waikato ... Northern Monarch ... 1879. January 18 February 1 78 100 29S 355 2611 308 3 2 3 12=5 298 345 3B11 303 Quarantined on arrival. Detention, eleven days. Bovne Piako ii 26 March 5 100 144 401 288 3501 2621 4 5 8=11 3=1 402 260 349 235 Thirty souls=26J statute adults, returned horaeirorn Pernambuco. Stad Ilaarlem April 15 59 345 300 5=01 311 299 i 2,961 2,0111 28 38=12 2,921 12573

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In the early part of the present month (June) a large number of labourers reported themselves at this office as being out of work. From inquiries I made lam able to give the following particulars respecting them : —The total number that applied up to 30th June was 397 —namely, 111 married men and 286 single. Of the 111 married men, 07 came to this district as Government immigrants, 20 came to other districts of New Zealand as Government immigrants, 11 came from Melbourne or Sydney, 4 were born in the colony, and 9 were passengers to New Zealand. Of the 286 single men, 112 were Government immigrants to Canterbury, 86 were Government immigrants to other parts of New Zealand, 64 came from Melbourne or Sydney, 5 were born in the colony, and 19 were passengers to New Zealand. The case of these men having been brought under the notice of the Government, directions were given to the Engineer in Charge of the Middle Island to lay off small sections of railway work at Waipara on which to employ them on piece-work, based at a rate of wages not exceeding 6s. per day. On the 30th June about 180 men were on the works. With regard to the unemployed question, I am convinced that a large number of the men who applied to me for work need not have been unemployed had they been disposed to work for a reasonable rate of wages heretofore. The nominated system continues to work very satisfactorily. The total number of nominations taken in this district was as follows :— At the Christchurch Office, 2,234 souls ... ... =1,942 statute adults. At the Timaru Office, 769 souls ... ... ... = 079 ~ Total, 3,001 souls ... ... ... = 2,621 as against 1,358 souls = 1,218 statute adults, for the previous year. The amount of cash received in connection with nominated immigration was £735 7s. 6d., and promissory notes to the value of £713 13s. have also been deposited at this office. The total amount collected ou immigration during the past year was £2,073 2s. 3d., asunder:— On bills and notes, £977 19s. 5d.; on provincial notes, £247 7s. ; passages in advance, £735 7s. 6d. ; rents and miscellaneous, £1!2 Bs. 4d.: total, £2,073 2s. 3d. The total amount outstanding on bills and notes on the 30th June was £13,182 13s. 6d. I have, &c, J. E. Maech, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 8. The Immigbation Officeb, Dunedin, to the ITndee Seceetaet for Immigration. Sib, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 30th June, 1879. I have the honor to furnish, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, my annual report relating to immigration to this port for the year ending SOtli June, 1879. During tiie season ten immigrant sliips have arrived, seven being direct to Port Chalmers, two o Blufl' Harbour, and one —the " Stad Haarlem " —to Lyttelton. The Other ships named in the return brought a few immigrants, who were short-shipped. The total number introduced has been 2,915 souls, equal to 2,5b3 statute adults; of this number, 5S0 souls, equal to 51G| adults, were introduced under the nomination system. 1 append a return of the ships' dates of arrival, births and deaths on the passage, and nationality of the immigrants. There has been a good and steady demand for country labour during the season now past, and in the case of ploughmen and domestic servants the demand was in excess of the supply. So long as the immigrants are suitable for the kind of labour in demand there will bo very little difficulty in comfortably placing them. The immigrants introduced here last season were generally of good character, and a suitable class. The rates of wages now ruling arc as follows : —Married couples for farms and stations, £05 to £75 per annum, and double rations ; ploughmen, £52 to £55 ; farm servants, £50 to £52; dairymaids, £10 to £45; general servants, £30 to £35; carpenters, 10s. to 12s. per day; bricklayers, 10s. to 12s. During the last six months there has been a large increase in the applications at this office under the free nominated regulations, chiefly owing to the depression in trade among the working-classes in. the Home-country. The number of nominations received during the year was 1,9G4 souls, equal to l,(595.j statute adults ; and at Invereargill, 5S0 souls, equal to 51U.j statute adults : making a total for this provincial district of 2,541 souls, equal to 2,212 statute adults. The nominations taken were chiefly confined to farm servants, coal-miners, labourers, and female servants. The health of the immigrants on the voyage was unusually good. The repayments of passage-money daring the past year amounted to £101 0s. 2d., and the amount received for passages and outfit to £740 5s. I have, &c, Colin Allan, The Under Secretary for Immigration, "Wellington. Immigration Officer.

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Enclosure in No. 8. RETURN of IMMIGRANTS arrived in DUNEDIN for the Year ending 30th June, 1879.

No. 9. The Immigbation Officee, Invercargill, to the Undee Seceetaey for Immigbation. Sib, — Immigration Department, Invercargill, Ist July, 1879. I have the honor to furnish for your information my auuual report for year ending 30th day of June, 1879. We have had a fair share of immigrants to this port during the season. The ship "Waitara" landed 229 souls, equal to 209 adults ; and was followed by the " Western Monarch," bringing 369 souls, equal to 331 adults: making a total of 598 souls, equal to 540 adults. The immigrants by the ship "Waitara" showed a ready spirit for immediate employ, and were readily engaged at a fair rate of wages. With many of the single women, however, there wero great complaints of their inability as servants, most of them having had little or no experience as such; in fact, by their own acknowledgment, they had hardly ever left their parents' homes. While commenting on this fact, I should mention the wrong certificates of character given to servants leaving Home. Whether these certificates are genuine it is difficult to say; but, in most cases, I am certainly of opinion they are not. They are seldom asked for by the people on leaving the dep6t. The same also refers to married people and single men who describe themselves as farm labourers. From all the information I can gather, aud from my own personal experience, I am inclined to think that very groat caution should be exercised iv the introduction of further supplies, for more than one reason. First, really good farm servants, without incumbrance, are generally in demand at most seasons; but few, such as wo do get, are to be obtained amongst the immigrants introduced, the majority of those describing themselves as such having proved, on employment, either to be very indifferently acquainted with agriculture in any of its branches, or, as more frequently is the case, to be entirely ignorant of it, describing themselves as agricultural labourers believing such a designation to be the best passport to get free passages to the colony. Though such men do generally find employ on the railway works in progress, as these necessarily cease, there will be a very large margin between demand and supply; the latter would therefore show largely in excess, to be absorbed by the ordinary channels of colonial wants. Secondly, I should, therefore, for the coming season, very respectfully suggest that, as the nomination system is working so well, further free immigration should be coufinsd to those nominated by friends. Although the supply will probably be smaller than that hitherto obtained, yet I feel sure they will prove more equal just now to the occasion, and be found also more beneficial to all concerned. For single women there is generally a good demand, but what is most wanted are servants who have had some experience as such. The " Western Monarch " immigrants were a fair class, though tho same fault with the single women was felt as with the " Waitara " lot, and the men generally had little experience in agricultural pursuits. ■ Most of this shipment, married and single, found employ on the railway works. The sum of £198 15s. has been received in advance for passages and ship outfit. I have used every endeavour to collect on promissory notes, without success, my applications generally finding their way back to me through the Dead-Letter Office. With a recent circular lam now issuing I hope to be more successful.

Total Arrived. Nominated. Nationality. Name of Ship. Date of Arrival. Births. Deaths. Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. ! .English. Irish. Scotch. Aline City of Dublin Stracathro James N. Fleming ... EokebyHall Invercargill ... Timaru Waitara (Bluff) Canterbury ... Waipa 1878. July 8 July 16 Aug. 2 Aug. 7 Aug. 21 Oct. 2 Nov. 0 Dec, 5 Dec. 10 Dec. 11 1879. Jan. 10 Jan. 19 Jan. 24 Feb. 17 March 21 April S April 21 April 13 June 17 1 5 1 3 * 6 338 340 228 320 2 1 3 J 1 14 5J 306^ 806* 208i 284 2 1 5 4 76 58 32 100 2 1 8J *8i 62 £ 4Si 28 85 2 3 2 2 1 8 1 1 1 6 67 53 111 48 1 166 169 93 149 3 91 119 14 122 2 Oamaru Western Monarch ... Taranaki Wellington Lyttelton East Lothian .., Westland Stad Haarlem (s.s.) ... Otago 357 368 291 330 20 4 166 134 1 307i 329 i 255* 292J 17 2 148 110 1 109 40 76 66 8 4 61 23 91* 36' 66 55 7h 2 52 20 3 3 3 4 2 2 57 228 31 70 6 4 12 113 110 125 66 75 10 190 13 196 187 4 1 "72 16 83 5 1 Totals 2,915 2,583 665 5(54 13 IS 812 1,052 1,030

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The number of nominations made during the year am unt t O^jMg txfseatn; and anticipate a large number will avail thrives ot the op^ortun ity to that one ? f they prove generally the most desirablectaj. In ™ arr P ival and jj no w in the Dunedin ijfeffJS-iffi 7 Cl°Se " C°n" finement. Heebebt V. Lillicbap, ttt ii! „<-„., Immigration Officer. The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. By AuthorityTG^OßO^MStTßT, Government Printer, Wellir,gton.-1879. Price 6cL]