IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND. (LETTERS TO THE AGENT-GENERAL.) [In continuation of D.—1., 1879, Sess. I.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1879 Session II, D-01

D.—l.

Sess. 11.—1879. NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND. (LETTERS TO THE AGENT-GENERAL.) [In continuation of D. —1., 1879, Sess. I.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. The Hon. the Minister for Immigeation to the Agent-Geneeal. Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 14th August, 1879. The question of continuing, under the existing circumstances of the colony, the present system of free immigration has engaged the attention of the Government, and I have the honor to communicate to you, for your information and guidance, the following conclusions at which they have arrived on the subject:— The engagements which, under instructions from this office, you have already made for granting free passages during the current financial year will result, as far as I am able to judge, in the despatch, at the entire cost of the colony, of three thousand emigrants. Telegrams (copies annexed) have been sent to you to stop, so far as the engagements which you have made permit you to do so, the further despatch of emigrants under the present terms ; and the future conduct of British emigration is to be on the following conditions : — 1. The sum of five pounds (£5) is to be paid, in advance, to the Government on account of each male Government emigrant, and you are to engage no passages unless previously advised that this sum has been paid in the colony, or unless you have received it in the United Kingdom. 2. Each emigrant is to be suitable in all respects, and is to be selected, after proper inquiry by you, out of the nominated list, and from other applications received in your office ; nominated persons to have priority. 3. Free passages may be given to female adults, married, who are not more than forty-five years of age, and who have not more than three children under twelve years of age ; all eligible single females will receive passages upon the same terms as at present; that is to say, free railway fares to the port of embarkation, and remission of the usual outfit-money of £1 per statute adult. This new arrangement is to apply to all emigrants whose passages have not been engaged or promised to be engaged. And I shall be obliged by your informing me as early as possible as to the probable number likely to avail themselves of this system during the present financial year. With respect to the special class of emigrants—farmers—referred to in your letter of the 21st May last, I have to state that, while the Government have no objection to your endeavouring to make arrangements with the New Zealand Shipping Company for the passages of these men and their families, it must be distinctly understood that no liability or responsibility is entailed thereby on tho colony. The company must altogether look to the men themselves for all payments ; and, as informed by cablegram, you are not to afford any pecuniary assistance to this class of persons. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, W. Gisboene, 7, AVestmiuster Chambers, London. Minister for Immigration. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) Wellington, New Zealand, 12th August, 1879. Immigeation.—Eeduce number ordered. Vogel, London. Geet.

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The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 15th August, 1879. Immigeation.—Except where passages already arranged, male adults must hereafter pay advance five pounds. Women—conditions unaltered. Wire number likely to accept these terms during financial year. Farmers : Government permit you to arrange Shipping Company passages, but refuse pecuniary assistance; decline any responsibility towards Company or emigrants. Vogel, London. Geey.

The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. (Telegram.) London, 19th August, 1879. Meaning message uncertain. Are males to pay five pounds and women free ? Are children and nominated free ? What class males do you require ? Does last part telegram refer to farmers' special ships ? —Reply. Three hundred and fifty nominated coming forward monthly. Proportion female servants small. April to August 4,000 emigrants despatched ; 500 waiting September shipment. The Premier, New Zealand. Vogel.

The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.] "Wellington, 26th August, 1879. Immigeation.—Payment five pounds required here or London all males, including nominated. Women and children free, subject existing limitations. Instructions sent by last mail. Wait them. Farmers — yes, special ships. Vogel, London. Geey.

By Authority : Geobgb Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington. —1879. Price, 3d.]