INTRODUCTION OF COAL-MINERS FOR THE WESTPORT COLLIERY COMPANY (LIMITED) (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1880 Session I, D-04

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1880. NEW ZEALAND.

INTRODUCTION OF COAL-MINERS FOR THE WESTPORT COLLIERY COMPANY (LIMITED) (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE).

Presented to loth Houses of the General Assembly hy Command of Mis Excellency.

No. 1. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, 21st May, 1879. Referring to your letter No. 6i, of 6th March last,* respecting the coal-miners required for the Westport Colliery, I have the honor to inform you that I have sent Mr. Holloway to the mining districts to ascertain and report to me as to the best localities from which these men can be obtained. I shall probably employ Mr. G. M. Reed and Mr. Holloway in personally selecting these men. I expect to be able to arrange so that they will embark some time in August. I have, &c.j Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 2. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, 14th July, 1879. Referring to your letter of the 6th March last, No. 64,* and to my letter No. 391, of 21st May, respecting the coal-miners required by the Westport Colliery Company, I have the honor to inform you that, in accordance with my instructions, Mr. Holloway first proceeded to the Forest of Dean, and, after personally interviewing a number of men in that district, he sent in completed application forms and certificates of about twenty men and their families, most of whom I approved for free passages. Mr. Holloway then proceeded to Lancaster, and, having adopted the same course, I approved about fifteen men out of that county. Having received a letter from the Rev. R. L. H. Gough, of Chilton Moor, Fence Houses, Durham, recommending me to select a few miners from that county, I then instructed Mr. Holloway to proceed there, and place himself in communication with that gentleman; and the result was that I approved of about fifteen more coal-miners from that part of England. This completed the number (fifty) which you instructed me to send out; but, as a number of both the Lancaster and Forest of Dean men had not finally taken their passages, I took advantage of a recommendation of a gentleman (Mr. G. M. Richardson) from Yorkshire, and sent Mr. Holloway to Barnsley, Yorkshire, and from that district I have obtained the number sufficient to complete the party. All the men have been personally interviewed by Mr. Holloway, who has reported specially in each case as to their eligibility. I trust that the result of the course which I have adopted in the selection of these men will prove satisfactory to their future employers. Having ascertained from Messrs. Neilson and Maxwell, of Glasgow, that there was no likelihood of their sending a direct ship to Westport, as mentioned by Mr. Burns in his letter, copy of which was enclosed in your letter of 6th March,* I have arranged with the New Zealand Shipping Company to despatch their ship, the "Opawa/'' to Nelson, sailing from Plymouth 22nd August; and by this vessel I propose to send these men, together with such nominated emigrants for Westland, Nelson, and Marlborough as may be then ready to proceed. I have, &c., Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

* So. 31, D.-l, Sess. 1,, 1879. 1—I). 4

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No. 3. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the General Manager, Westport Colliery Company. Sin, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 22nd September, 1879. I have the honor to forward for your information copy of a letter from the AgentGeneral, in which he informs the Government that fifty coal-miners will leave England per " Opawa " on the 22nd August for your colliery, via Nelson. I have, &c, The General Manager, H. J. H. Eliott, Westport Colliery Company, Westport. Under-Secretary.

No. 4. Mr. A. J. Burns, General Manager, Westport Colliery Company, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir,— Westport, 17th October, 1879. When reading some of the newspapers in the colony lately I found an article copied from a newspaper published in Newcastle, England. The article gives a description and an account of the coal-miners that the Government have selected for our Company. The article says that amongst them are some seven or eight "local preachers." I feel very much annoyed at these men being selected to be sent here. We have had a sample of these same local preachers, and very glad we were to get rid of them, as their practice did not accord with their profession. I trust, therefore, the Government.will send these men somewhere else, and substitute others in their place the first convenient opportunity, as I am well aware we would not tolerate their conduct very long, and I have no wish to see the men out of employment. But I must protest against their coming here at all, as lam well aware what the result will be. The old motto, " Let the shoemaker stick to his last," is amply verified in this class of men; so please do not force this selection of men upon us here. I have, &c, A. J. Burns, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. General Manager.

No. 5. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the General Manager, Westport Colliery Company. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 28th October, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, in which you state that you learn from an article in one of the English papers that some seven or eight of the coal-miners who were selected by the Agent-General, and who are now on their way to this colony in the ship " Opawa," are " local preachers," and requesting that the Government will send them elsewhere than to Westport for employment by the Colliery Company there. In reply, I would point out to you that these men have been selected by the Agent-General specially at your request, and doubtless every care has been exercised in their selection ; and it can hardly be expected that the Government will place them under any disability because of their religious persuasion, or because they feel themselves called upon to act as "local preachers" in disseminating their religious views to others. It would, moreover, be manifestly unjust for the Agent-General to have instituted inquiries with a view of ascertaining whether persons who applied to him, and were recommended for passages, come within the meaning of your objection to " local preachers." I trust that either yourself or some other representative of the Colliery Company will meet these men on their arrival at Nelson, and that you will find they are in all respects suited to the requirements of the Company. I have, &c., The General Manager, W. Rolleston, Westport Colliery Company, Westport. Minister for Immigration.

No. 6. Mr. A. J. Burns, General Manager, Westport Colliery Company, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Westport, Cth November, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the sth instaut, of your letter No. 405, dated 28th October, and am exceedingly obliged for the courteous reply to my letter of the 17th October. But allow me to remark we are very practical people, and our Company cares very little for sentiment. As manager of the Company, I have got to have coals dug from the bowels of the earth and deposited in the holds of ships at Westport; and this cannot be done by "local preaching/ but by practical coal-miners. Now, lam surprised that the Agent-General, who is, or used to

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be, a thoroughly practical man himself, did not discover that these " local preachers" as a rule are the very worst miners going, and give more trouble than any other class of operatives, as a few inquiries would soon have told him. However, 1 will in the meantime communicate with our directors in Duuedin, when most likely the suggestion contained in the last paragraph of your letter will be carried out. Should the ship arrive in the meantime, these people must remain in barracks in Nelson until this matter is cleared up. I shall be glad to procure a list of the names of these people, their ages, and where they were selected; and any certificates they may havo sent in; the exact terms upon which Government engaged these men, and copies of their engagements. I have, &c, A. J. Burns, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. General Manager.

No. 7. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the General Manager, Westport Colliery Company. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 13th November, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, and to thank you for the same. The Immigration Officer at Nelson has been instructed to supply you with the particulars you desire respecting the coal-miners now on their way to the colony by the ship " Opawa;" and the Government will adhere to the promise already made to you that these people should have temporally accommodation in the depot at Nelson, provided the Government is put to no expense for their maintenance. I confidently rely upon you meeting these miners on their arrival, and making the necessary arrangements for providing them with work. I have, &c., The General Manager, W. Rolleston, Westport Colliery Company, Westport. Minister for Immigration.

No. 8. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Memorandum.) 17th November, 1879. I have forwarded to the General Manager of the Westport Colliery Company a complete list of the passengers by the " Opawa;" but I am unable to furnish him with the exact terms upon which Government engaged the miners, as I have no information whatever as to the terms. It is not even stated in the list which of the miners are engaged for the Company—in fact, the Company is not mentioned, either in the list or the Agent-General's letter. Of course, on arrival all the immigrants must go to the depot that are not otherwise provided for, and they must be fed while there by somebody ; and I would suggest the better course would be for the Company to guarantee to repay the Government the co^t of the maintenance of those who were brought out for the Company, and let them bo supplied with Government rations in the usual way. Alfred Greenfield, The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 9. The Under-Sechetary for Immigration to the Immigration Officer, Nelson. (Memorandum.) Immigration Office, Wellington, 20th November, 1879. The Immigration Officer at Nelson is informed, in reply to his memorandum of the 17th November, No. 100, that it is hoped the Manager of the Westport Colliery Company will meet the coal-miners who are to arrive by the " Opawa," at Nelson; but in the event of his failing to do so, the Immigration Officer must ration the coal-miners and their families, keeping a separate account, which is to be forwarded to the Colliery Company for payment. The Immigration Officer is requested to communicate this instruction to the Manager of the Company. H. J. H. Eliott, The Immigration Officer, Nelson. Under-Secretary.

No. 10. Mr. A. J. Burns to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, 28th November, 1879 Immigrants must remain at Nelson until instructions come from Danedin. Uuder-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. A. J. Burns.

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No. 11. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to Mr. A. J. Burns. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th November, 1879. Does Company guarantee repayment of extra expense if immigrants are landed at Nelson ?* Mr. A. J. Burns, Westport. H. J. H. Eliotx.

No. 12. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, 28th November, 1879. " Opawa " arrived; all well. Commissioners go on board immediately. Alfred Greenfield, Immigration Officer.

No. 13. Mr. J. T. Catley to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, 28th November, 1879. Mr. Burns telegraphed that he is not quite ready for immigrants. They will therefore be landed in Nelson. Other Westland immigrants go from ship's side to-morrow morning. Marlborough immigrants also from ship's side to-morrow per " Wallace." Mr. Greenfield on board iv roadstead. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. J. T. Catley.

No. 14. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to Mr. A. J. Burns. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th November, 1879. "Opawa" has arrived at Nelson. Hope you will meet miners. Immigration Officer requested to send your miners direct to Westport if he can arrange. Mr. A. J. Bums, Westport. H. J. H. Eliott.

No. 15. Mr. A. J. Burns to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) 29th November, 1879. Nothing more can be done until I receive instructions; meantime people must remain at Nelson. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. A. J. Burns.

No. 16. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, 29th November, 1879. Have landed all immigrants for Westport, Mr. Burns not being ready to receive them. Sea too high, or steamers would take Westlaud and Marlborough immigrants this morning. Will probably be transhipped this evening or to-morrow. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Alfred Greenfield.

No. 17. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the General Manager, Westport Colliery Company. (Telegram.) Wellington, 2nd December, 1879. Please advise me what arrangements you propose to make as to the coal-miners by the " Opawa." W. Holleston.

No. 18. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, Bth December, 1879. Number of immigrants on rations, one hundred and fifty-seven. The Westport Colliery Company have not yet sent for miners. Men getting dissatisfied at being out of work so long. Several married men, not recent immigrants, out of work—general labourers. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Alfred Greenfield.

* No reply was received to this telegram.

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No. 19. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to Mr. A. J. Burns. (Telegram.) Wellington, 9th December, 1879. What does Colliery Company intend doing re miners ? They are still in depot at Nelson, and are getting very dissatisfied. Mr. A. J. Burns, Westport. W. Rolleston.

No. 20. Mr. A. J. Burns to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (Telegram.) Westport, 9th December, 1879. lam awaiting instructions from my directors in Dunedin. On receipt I hope to proceed to Nelson immediately. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. A. J. Burns.

No. 21. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Secretary, Westport Colliery Company. (Telegram.) Wellington, 9th December, 1879. What do your directors intend doing re coal-miners who arrived at Nelson in the " Opawa " ? They arc still in depot, and are getting very much dissatisfied. The Secretary, Westport Colliery Company, Dunedin. H. J. H. Eliott.

No. 22. The Secretary, Westport Colliery Company, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 10th December, 1879. Hope to have works finished shortly, and to be able to offer employment to all. The Under-Secretary for Immigration. A. Holmes.

No. 23. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, 10th December, 1879. Mr. Burns states he has taken exception to eight or ten of the coal-miners, and unless cleared up to his satisfaction he will not employ them. If this is so, it should be settled without delay, as eight or ten might possibly be able to get work elsewhere. Some of the people interested in the West Wanganui Mine may probably employ them. In any case, the names should be made known at once. The Uuder-Sccretary for Immigration. Alfred Greenfield.

No. 24. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the Secretary, Westport Colliery Company. (Telegram.) 11th December, 1879. I am obliged to ask you for definite answer re coal-miners at once. The Secretary, Westport Colliery Company, Dunedin. W. Rolleston.

No. 25. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Manager, Bruuner Colliery Company. (Telegram.) 12th December, 1879. Can you find employment for coal-miners? There are fifty at Nelson awaiting employment. The Manager, Brunner Colliery Company, Greymouth. H. J. H. Eliott.

Similar telegrams were also sent to the following mines:— CoMPANT. Eeply. Brunner Coal-mining .. .. .. None wanted. Coal-pit Heath, Greymouth .. .. None wanted. Homebush Colliery .. .. .. None wanted. Springfield Colliery .. .. .. Vide telegram, 18/12/79 Shag Point Coal-ruining .. .. .. None wanted. Green Island Colliery .. .. .. None wanted. Abbot's ltoyal Colliery .. .. .. None wanted. Fern Hill Colliery .. ~ .. None wanted.

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Company. Reply. Saddle Hill Colliery .. . . .. None wanted. Walton Park Colliery .. .. . . None wanted. Kaitaugata Railway and Coal .. .. None wanted. North Kaitangata .. .. .. Would take two or three. Lawrence Coal-mining .. .. .. None wanted. Wellington Coal-mining .. .. .. None wanted. Kawakawa .. .. .. .. None wanted. Waikato .. .. .. .. None wanted. Taupiri .. .. .. .. None wanted. Kamo . . .. .. .. None wanted. West Wanganui .. .. .. None wanted.

No. 26. Mr. James Hamilton to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Malvern, 15th December, 1879. Can find employment for the men, but could not find house-accommodation for them. Would they live in tents ? The Under-Secretary for Immigration. James Hamilton.

No. 27. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Immigration Officer, Christchurch. (Telegram.) 16th December, 1879. There are fifty miners at Nelson, brought out for the Westport Colliery Company, but that Company decline to take them. Mr. James Hamilton, of Malvern, says he can find employment for these men, but he has no house-accommodation, and they would have to live in tents. Please place yourself iii communication with Mr. Hamilton, and advise what number could be sent to him with safety. Are there any cottages or depots in the vicinity of the mine where the families could stay ? lleply as soon as possible. The Immigration Officer, Christchurch. IT. J. 11. Eliott.

No. 28. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) 18th December, 1879. Mr. Burns is in Nelson. A deputation of coal-miners waited upon him. Could not obtain definite answers as to employment. They are very dissatisfied. They were assured by Mr. Holloway they would be employed at ten shillings per diem the day after arrival. I can get nothing definite from directors, and Mr. Burns has no instructions. If they can obtain employment elsewhere, will Government pay passages? Probable they may obtain employment at Grey. Cannot Government employ them here for a time, rather than keep fifty men idle, and support their families ? They also ask for a copy of agreement between the Government and Company as to their engagement. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Alfred Greenfield.

No. 29. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Immigration Officer, Nelson. (Telegram.) Wellington, 18th December, 1879. Government will do all it can for the miners, and will pay their passages to wherever they can find work. I have tried all the coal mines in the colony without success, except Malvern. Am still in communication with the Manager there on subject, and cannot definitely say whether it will come to anything. The Immigration Officer, Nelson. 11. J. H. Eliott.

No. 30. The Immigration Officer, Christchurch, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 18th December, 1879. Have seen Mr. Hamilton; also directors of Springfield Company. They can employ the fifty miners, provided they are bond fide colliers. There is no accommodation of any kind for families; but the Company would find bricks, which they have on the ground, if Government would find labour to erect the cottages —the Company paying for the cost of this labour in coals, extending over a period of twelve or eighteen months. It is estimated that the average cost for each two-

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roomed cottage would be £\2 10s. for labour. If the men are sent, their wives and children would stay in Addington depot until cottages are orected. There is no Government depot or cottages near the mine. If this proposal does not meet approval of Hon. Minister, I will see if any other arrangements can be made; but it is most desirable that the men should be provided with cottages, so that they can settle down with their families in the district. There is plenty of work for first-class colliers. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. J. E. March.

No. 31. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secuetary for Immigration. Sir, — Nelson, 21th December, 1879. I forward herewith copy of correspondence between Mr. Burns, the General Manager of the Westport Colliery Company, and myself, re the coal-miners by the ship " Opawa." #*#"# * * * * I received a request from you to furnish such information (as to names, &c, to Mr. Burns), and I thereupon sent him the complete list, as I had no information as to which of the immigrants were for the Company. Since the receipt of Mr. Burns's letter, I have sent him a list containing the names, designations, and counties where the men were selected. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Ali'isjed Greenfield. P.S. —I have again to suggest that, as there does not appear to be the least prospect of the men being engaged by the Company for some time, that Government should employ them in the meantime on some public work. Most of them, if not all, can use the pick and shovel.—A. G.

Enclosure 1 in No. 31. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to Mr. Allan Holmes. (Telegram.) Nelson, 17th December, 1879. Mr. Burns is here. Can give miners no information as to when they will be required. They are very dissatisfied. Can you not give them any promise as to when they will be put to work ? They were informed they would get work the day after landing. Mr. Allan Holmes, Dunedin. Alfred Greenfield.

Enclosure 2 in No. 31. Mr. Allan Holmes to the Immigration Officer, Nelson. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 18th December, 1879. Much annoyed at delay in completion. We are dependent ou Mr. Burns for information, and he can tell you best when he will be ready. The Immigration Officer, Nelson. A. Holmes.

Enclosure 3 in No. 31. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the General Manager, Westport Colliery Company. Immigration Office, Nelson, 22nd December, 1879. Sir, — Employment of Coal-miners ex " Opawa." I forward herewith copy of correspondence re the employment of coal-miners brought out for the Westport Colliery Company and now in the Nelson depot, by which you will see that the Secretary to the Company, Mr. Allan Holmes, refers me to you for an answer to the question, " When will the Company be ready to receive the miners at Westport ?" I shall be glad, therefore, if you will kindly inform me when you believe the Company will be ready to receive them, as it is a very serious matter for the men to be kept so long out of employment. An early answer will oblige. I have, &c, The General Manager, Westport Colliery Company, Alfd. Greenfield. Nelson.

Enclosure 4 in No. 31. Mr. A. J. Burns to the Immigration Officer, Nelson. Sir,— Nelson, 23rd December, 1879. I beg to acknowledge the receipt this afternoon of your Memo. No. 15 i, dated 22nd instant, and certain copies of telegrams between Mr. Holmes and yourself. I have again to repeat what I have already informed you, both by letter and personal interview, that I am without any instructions from the Wcstport Colliery Company's directors.

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I would remind you that I have repeatedly asked you to furnish me with the names, designations, the places where selected, the ages, the number of families, and the terms of the engagements, including the amount of wages or equivalent in tonnage that the Government agent promised the men said to be engaged for the Westport Colliery Company; then I shall be in a position to judge whether the Government have engaged the men in terms of my letters of request. When you give me a reply to the above request, and when my official instructions reach me from Dunedin, I may then be in a position to answer your question, " When will the Company be ready to receive the miners at Westport ?" I have, &c, The Immigration Officer, Nelson. A. J. Burns.

Enclosure 5 in No. 31. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the General Manager, Westport Colliery Company. Sir, — Immigration Office, 24th December, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd instant, re the coal-miners by the ship " Opawa/' and I regret that you are unable to give me any satisfactory reply as to their employment by your Company. I must say I read with surprise the statement that you had " repeatedly asked " me to furnish the names, designations, and places where selected, &c, as 1 have no recollection of your ever having made any such application directly to me, although an application of that character ■was made to the Under-Secretary and forwarded to me by that officer, when I forwarded to you a complete list of the emigrants by the " Opawa/' showing the ages, designations, and counties where selected. I now forward a list of those in the depot who were engaged for the Company in compliance with the terms of your letter of the Ist March last,* addressed to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. I have, &c, The General Manager, Westport Colliery Company, Alfred Greenfield. Nelson.

No. 32. The Immigration* Officer, Christchurch, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 2nd January, 1880. Messrs. L. Harper and H. Cracroft Wilson request me to telegraph to the Hon. Mr. Eolleston as follows : Springfield Coal Company will find work for twenty miners. Must be hewers. Will take ten or fifteen married men and families. Can accommodate men, but Government mnst find house-room for wives and families until cottages can be built—say four weeks. Wives and children could be housed at depot in Christchurch, and husbands allowed free passes by rail to Springfield occasionally to visit them, until cottages built. If no single men, cannot take more than fifteen families. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. J. E. March.

No. 33. The Manager, Brunner Coal Company, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration, (Telegram.) Greymouth, 2nd January, 1880. Re your telegram of the 12th ultimo, will now take ten of them. Must be good miners, and married men. Their families better remain back for few weeks. Advise if they are coming forward. The Under-Secretary for Immigration. M. Kennedy.

No. 34. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Immigration Officer, Nelson. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd January, 1880. Springfield Company in Canterbury will take fifteen families miners. Must be hewers. Telegraph whether you can arrange for that number and description to be sent, and what passages will cost. The Immigration Officer, Nelson. H. J. H. Eliott.

No. 35. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, 3rd January, 1880. Can send fifteen families. All the miners coal-getters. The passage is ten per cent, less than ordinary rates. The Under-Secretary for Immigration. A. Greenfield.

* No. 31, D.—l., Sess. 1., 1879.

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No. 36. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Immigration Officer, Hokitika. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd January, 1880. Is depot at Greymouth available for accommodation of ten families of miners ? The Immigration Officer, Hokitika. 11. J. H. Eliott.

No. 37. The Immigration Officer, Hokitika, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Hokitika, 3rd January, 1880. Greymouth depot can only accommodate five families. Hokitika could manage the rest. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, W. A. Spence.

No. 38. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Immigration Officer, Nelson. (Telegram.) Wellington, sth January, 1880. I have arranged for fifteen families to leave for Lyttclton by " Taiaroa " to-morrow. Rate of passage, £3 per statute adult. Please see them on board, and send list to Immigration Officer, Christchurch. At what price could you arrange for ten families to Greymouth ? The Immigration Officer, Nelson. H. J. 11. Eliott.

No. 39. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Manager, Brunner Coal Company. (Telegram.) Wellington, sth January, 1880. Will gladly send ten miners to Greymouth; but families should accompany them. What number will Government depot hold, and is any additional building available, if necessary ? The Manager, Brunner Coal Company. H. J. 11. Eliott.

No. 40. The Manager, Brunner Coal Company, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Greymouth, Cth January, 1880. Government depot hero will accommodate party. Several other good buildings in Greymouth available at nominal rental. No objection to families coming with miners if Government receive them into depot. Accommodation at Brunnerton coal mines, eight miles from here, is both limited and costly. The Under-Secretary for Immigration. Martin Kennedy.

No. 41. The Undeh-Secretary for Immigration to the Immigration Officer, Nelson. (Telegram.) Wellington, 7th January, 1880. Cannot you send some colliers to Greymouth for Mr. Martin Kennedy, Brainier Mine ? See my previous telegrams. The Immigration Officer, Nelson. H. J. H. Eliott.

No. 42. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Undeu-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegrdm.) Nelson, 7th January, 1880. Sent four families on Monday to Greymouth for Coalpit Heath Company—ten adults. The Under-Secretary for Immigration. Alfred Greenfield.

No. 43. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, Bth January, 1880. Have not received any previous telegram re sending colliers to Mr. Martin Kennedy. Sent four families to Coalpit Heath Company, and am sending four more to-day, on application of Immigration Officer; but he does not say for what company. The Under-Secretary for Immigration. Alfred Greenfield. 2—D. 4.

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No. 44. The Immigration Officer, Christchurch, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Christchurch, 9th January, 1880. I have the honor to report that the miners, with their wives and families, duly arrived yesterday morning at Lyttelton. In going through the list I found that J II , aged nineteen, had not been entered. The total number will therefore be 53| adults. Mr. Hamilton, manager of the Springfield Colliery, was at the depot, and interviewed the men. They were very anxious that their wives and children should accompany them at once. The Company therefore arranged with the men to obtain tent-accommodation far them and their families until the cottages now in course of erection are completed. I had previously told the men that I had received instructions from the Government to offer accommodation to their families at the depot, and that I would make them as comfortable as possible until their cottages were finished. They were very grateful for the offer, but preferred to take their families with them, and proceed at once to the works. I accordingly made the necessary arrangements with the Railway Department, and this morning I saw them all off by the 7.20 train. I am pleased to report that the manager for the Company is of opinion that the men are just the class he requires, and I have reason to believe the Company will be prepared to engage more of the same class should any remain on the hands of the Government. My own opinion with regard to this small shipment is that they will do exceedingly well here. I have, &c., The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. J. E. March.

No. 45. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Immigration Officer, Nelson. (Telegram.) Wellington, 12th January, 1880. How many more miners have you available? Have you sent any to Mr. Kennedy? The Immigration Officer, Nelson. H. J. H. Eliott.

No. 46. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, 13th January, 1880. I telegraphed Kennedy and Immigration Officer yesterday morning re coal-miners. No reply yet. Fifteen married and three single men still in depot. The Under-Secretary for Immigration. Alfred Greenfield.

No. 47. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to Mr. Allan Holmes. (Telegram.) 16th January, 1880. Is the Westport Colliery Company prepared to take any of the colliers now maintained by Government at Nelson for them ? I must ask for reply before noon, or I shall be obliged to make other arrangements. I will furnish accounts for expenditure to date of their being taken off' Government hands. Mr. Allan Holmes, Dunedin. W. Rolleston.

No. 48. The Immiguation Officer, Christehurch, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 16th January. 1880. Springfield Company ■will find employment for colliers —fifteen married and three single; Government finding accommodation in depot for women and children until cottages are built. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. J. E. March.

No. 49. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to Mr. Allan Holmes. (Telegram.) 17th January, 1880. Am waiting your reply as to miners at Nelson. Will Wcstport Company take them or not? There arc fifteen married and three single men still wanting employment. Please reply immediately. Mr. Allan Holmes, Dunedin. W. Rolleston.

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No. 50. Mr. A. Holmes to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 17th January, 1880. Think it will be about three weeks before Company ready to employ. Waiting reply from manager as to exact time. Company deny all liability for maintenance. Matter turns on an interview with late Government, with which you are probably not acquainted. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. A. Holmes.

No. 51. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to Mr. Allan Holmes. (Telegram.) Wellington, 17th January, 1880. I shall at once take steps to send colliers elsewhere. With reference to liability of Westport Company for maintenance and cost of removal, you will hear from me again. Mr. Allan Holmes, Dunedin. W. Rolleston.

No. 52. The Under-Secretary for Immigration to the Immigration Officer, Nelson. (Telegram.) Wellington, 17th January, 1880. " Stella " will leave here to-morrow to take all the colliers direct to Lyttelton. Please have them ready to leave early Monday morning. The Immigration Officer, Nelson. H. J. H. Eliott.

No. 53. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Telegram.) Nelson, 19th January, 1880. Fifty-eight and a-half adults shipped per " Stella," which left for Lyttelton at 11.30. The Under-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Alfred Greenfield.

No. 54. The Immigration Officer, Christchurch; to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. (Memorandum.) Christchurch, 26th January, 1880. I have the honor to report the arrival of the miners, with their wives and families, from Nelson, on Tuesday evening, 20th instant. As these men also appeared very anxious that their wives and children should accompany them, Mr. Hamilton, manager of the Springfield Colliery, arranged to obtain tent-accommodation for them and their families until the cottages were erected ; and I forwarded them all to Springfield by the 7.20 train on Thursday morning. J. E. March.

No. 55. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, 10th March, 1880. I have the honor to transmit two extracts from newspapers published in this country by which it would appear that some difficulty has arisen with respect to the employment of the coal-miners which, by the instructions of the Government, I selected and sent out for the Westport Colliery Company. As some of the friends of these men are asking for information respecting the way in which they have been treated, I shall be glad to receive such information as will enable me to satisfactorily reply to such inquiries. I have, &c., Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 55. Extract from the Barnsley Chronicle of 28th February, 1880. To the Editor of the Harnsley Chronicle. Sir, — Immigration Depot, Nelson, 3rd January, 1880. Would you kindly allow me a small space in order to make a few statements which I hope may be interesting to the miners of South Yorkshire. Many of your readers are particular friends of ours, who will be anxious to know how we are getting on in the country of our

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adoption. lam glad to inform them that we had a very good passage, making the voyage in 95 days. You will be aware that we came out as special immigrants to work a new coal-mine which was opening up on tho west coast of New Zealand by the Westport Colliery Company, under certain promises which appeared in the columns of tho Barnsley and district newspapers previous to our leaving England, for this colony. However, we are sorry to say that, although we have been in the Nelson depot since 28th November, we cannot hear that there is any more likelihood of us reaching our destination than there was the day we landed. The general manager of the Westport Colliery has his home in Nelson, about a quarter of a mile above the depot, and goes down to Westport for three or four weeks together. However, he has been in Nelson for the last fortnight, but has not yet so much as owned us nor given us any satisfaction as to when we are to enter the Company's employ. As soon as we heard he was in Nelson I was appointed, along with three: others, as a deputation, one from each county in England. When we saw him, he said they knew nothing of our coming out here. The first he saw of it was in one of the Newcastle newspapers in Australia, and a lot of suchlike rubbish. From him we went to the Immigration Office, and saw Mr. Greenfield, who produced all the correspondence that had taken place between the Government and the general manager in relation to our beingbrought out. I asked the Immigration Officer if he would give me a copy of the letters. He lent mo the Government schedule of correspondence between the Government and the general manager of the above-named colliery, copies of which I send for your insertion in the Barnsley Chronicle. The following are correct copies, as taken from the printed schedule of Government correspondence for the years 1878 and 1879, commencing with July, 1878, and ending June, 1879 :— SIE, — Immigration Office, Wellington, N.Z., 29th January, 1878.* Application having been made by the general manager of the Westport Colliery Company for immigrants, selected by their agents in Great Britain, to be allowed free passages to the colony, I have the honor to request you to be good enough to grant passages to such coal-miners and others as may be selected by tho Company, upon the same terms a& free passages are allowed to persons eligible as ordinary immigrants to this colony. The immigrants intended for the Colliery Company should be forwarded in ships to tho ports of Nelson or Wellington, as you find most convenient. I have, &c, G. S. Whitmoee, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. (for the Minister for Immigration.) Enclosure in Above. Sib,— Westport, 17th January, 1879. Our Company, very shortly, will require a number of coal-miners for the working of our coal-fields here. It is desirable to import these miners from the Old Country from time to time as required. I have therefore to request that you will bo pleased to grant free passages to such people as our British agents may select, from either the Clyde or London, to Westport, upon the same terms and conditions as granted to agricultural labourers and others, we agreeing to engage these people for twelve months after landing at Westport. I havo, &c, A. J. Brass, Tho Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. General Manager, Westport Colliery Company. Sib, — Immigration Office, Wellington, N.Z., 6th March, 1879. Referring to my letter of the 29th January last, I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of a letter from the manager of the Westport Colliery Company,! requesting that the Government will allow fifty coal-miners to be selected for the Company through your department, and to request that you will be good enough to give effect to Mr. Burns' application. I have, &c, Robeet Stout, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Minister for ImmigrationEnclosure in Above. Slß,— Wesfport, Ist March, 1879. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 54, of the 29th January, 1879. Referring to ruy letter of the 17th January, I think, on duo consideration, that the selection of miners for our work should be made by the AgentGeneral, who has better means at his disposal for the selection of immigrants. I would therefore feel obliged by your giving instructions to select, say, fifty flrst-olasp coal-miners, from some of the best coal-mining districts in either Scotland or England; men of small stature preferred, and with families, as they are steadier as a rule when married. The wages at present are 10s. per diem, or an equivalent in tonnage. The working hours are nine hours for five days a week, and all work ceases at noon on Saturdays. Of course, we may have night shifts, but this will be arranged for as a tonnage rate on the same basis. It would be desirable that tho Agent-General should make some inquiries into the character of the men, both as to their moral conduct and also as to their skill as workmen, as the late strikes have exhibited most melancholy traits of depravity and bad conduct in many of this class. This is another reason why it would be advisable that the Agent-General should select these people, as his agents in the various centres of population will know all these things better than any private agent can possibly do. It is possible that our Company may have a ship or steamer coming direct from Britain to Westport; therefore before the Agent-General ships those miners he had better put himself into communication with our agents, Messrs. Neilson and Maxwell, 88 and 90, Cadogan Street, Glasgow, to ascertain this. At any rate, I trust. you will land these miners in Westport in the usual manner, as you do for agricultural labourers, &c, in other parts of the colony. We will require many more miners than fifty, but these will be enough to start with. The local miners are now very hard to be got, and many of them very indifferent workmen. I have, &c., A. J. Bukns, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. General Manager, Westport Colliery Company. These are copies of the letters which the travelling agent, Mr. Holloway, showed us in Barnsley previous to us getting our forms of application to come out here, so that you will see that the New Zealand Government and their agents at Home have acted the part of honorable gentlemen so far as they are concerned. I may say, further, that both the Hon. tho Minister for Immigration and the Immigration Officer have done all they could with the Westport Goal Company and their manager to induce them to find us employment, and failed. The only answer they can get is, " We are not ready for them yet, and don't know when we shall be." The Government, seeing that this Company have acted as they have towards us, they are in communication with the other coal-mines in the colony, seeking to get us employment. I might

* No. 23, D.-l, Sess. 1., 1879. t No. 31, D.-l, Seas. 1., 1879.

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just say here, for the guidance of any one who might come out here after us, to be very careful in their arrangements with the agent, as the things about this colony are generally painted in too bright colours. So far as working-men are concerned, there are hundreds of men out of employment in this colony, and there are men now working on a new railway at Wellington at 4s. per clay. This is a very low wage out here, when you consider the high price of everything. With the exception of bread, butter, and meat, everything is dear. This is perhaps the lowest wage paid anywhere in the colony, but it only goes to prove that it is a dodge of the employers of labour here to get the market overstocked with labour in order to cheapen it. I trust that the working-men of South Yorkshire will take the hint, aud be very careful about breaking up their homes to come out here under any promises that interested parties may hold out to them. Apologizing for trespassing upon your valuable space, I have, &c, Jno. Lomas.

Enclosure 2 in No. 55. Extract from the Newcastle Daily Chronicle, Wednesday, 25th February, 1880. To the Editor of the Daily Chronicle. Sir, — Nelson Depot, New Zealand, 3rd January, 1880. Will you kindly insert the following letter in yonr paper, as it will be of great importance to intending emigrants to New Zealand and other colonies, and especially to the former. We were duly selected by the agent here, who was engaged by the general manager of a coal company, who said he wanted fifteen families and more; and after he got us here, he wants to make it appear that he know nothing of us corning. We then wrote back to England, and have got printed forms back again to New Zealand of the agreement that was made between the two parties. We sailed from Plymouth on August the 23rd with the ship "Opawa," and landed at Nelson on the 28th November, 1879, and were taken to the depot, where we now lie, and cannot get a day's work anywhere. There are hundreds of men travelling the country; and where there is one day's work to be got, there are ten men for it. What is wanted here is not labouring men or miners altogether, but men with capital. I would therefore strongly advise all men who are intending to emigrate hither to stay where they are, for I believe that the Old Country is better than this at present. Now they have got us here and have made complete fools of us. The reason why I send this for insertion is to put all men on their guard before taking a leap in the dark, although it has been said many times, and said truly, it is one of the finest countries in the world, and nothing too much can be said about it. I have, &c., Thos. Greenshields Stephenson, late of Murton Colliery, Durham.

No. 56. The Hon. Mr. Dick to the Agent-General. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 25th March, 1880. Referring to your letter of the 14th July last (No. 62C), and to previous correspondence respecting the fifty families of colliers which were specially selected for the Westport Colliery Company, I regret to have to inform you that after their arrival at Nelson the Company refused to find employment for the men, and practically repudiated the engagement which had been entered into with the Government. After long delay, employment was found for these colliers at other coal-pits in different parts of the colony, the greater portion of them being engaged by the Coalpit Heath Company at Canterbury. In consequence of the action of the Westport Colliery Company, departmental instructions have been issued, directing that in no future cases are persons to be introduced as immigrants at the public expense for the especial benefit of private persons or companies, unless a written contract is entered into, guaranteeing work for a certain specified time, to be agreed upon by the persons requiring the immigrants and the Government. I have, &c., The Agent-General for New Zealand, Thomas Dick, London. (for the Minister for Immigration.)

No. 57. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the Chairman of the Directors of the Westfort Colliery Company. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 22nd April, 1880. Referring to my telegram to you of the 17th January last, I have now the honor to transmit a statement of the number of rations supplied at Nelson to the colliers brought out by the Government at the request of the Westport Colliery Company, amounting to £239 7s. 3-D. 4

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As the Government relieved the Company of the duty of providing employment for these people by sending them to other parts of the colony at great trouble and expense, I confidently rely upon your at once paying the above amount into the Public Account —more especially as the sum charged is for the bare expense of the rations supplied to the colliers and their families, no charge being made for the cost of their removal from Nelson, or for incidental expenses, such as fuel, cooking, medical attendance, &c, while they were in the Government depot. I have, &c, Allan Holmes, Esq., Chairman of the W. Rolleston, Directors of the Westport Colliery Company, Dunedin. Minister for Immigration.

Enclosure in No. 57. Westport Colliery Company Dr. to the Immigration Department. Rations supplied to Miners ex " Opawa," 145 Adults. 1879. £ s. d. Nov. 435 rations, at 7£d. .. .. .. .. 16 6 4J 54 lb. 12 oz. butter, at Is. .. .. .. 2 14 9 5£ galls, milk, at Is. 2d. .. .. .. 0 6 5 Dec. 4,371 rations, at 7|d. .. .. .. 136 11 10| 420 lb. butter, at Is. .. .. .. 21 0 0 3 lb. pepper, at Is. 6d. .. .. .. .. 0 4 6 6 lb. candles, at lid. .. .. .. .. 0 5 6 80 lb. soap, at 3d. .. . - .. .. 10 0 6 lb. rice, at 4d. .. .. .. .. 0 2 0 100 lb. flour .. .. .. .. 0 16 0 23 lb. raisins, at Bd. .. .. .. 0 15 4 21 lb. currants, at 7d. .. .. .. .. 0 12 3 1880. 60 galls, milk, at Is. 2d... .. .. .. 310 0 Jan. 1,392 rations, at 7|d. .. .. .. .. 43 10 0 174 lb. butter, at Is. .. .. .. .. 8 14 0 6 lb. candles, at lid. .. .. .. .. 0 5 6 40 lb. soap, at 3d. .. .. .. .. 0 10 0 30 galls, milk, at Is. 4d... .. .. .. 2 0 0 2 lb. pepper, at Is. 3d. .. .. .. 0 2 6 £239 7 0

By Authority : George Didsbuey, Government Printer, "Wellington.—lBBo. Price 9d.]