CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE EMIGRATION OF PERSONS FROM VICTORIA INTO NEW ZEALAND, IN CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE LAID ON THE TABLE ON THE 25th JUNE, 1856.—(C. No. 8.)

Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives, 1856 Session I

185 6.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE EMIGRATION OF PERSONS FROM VICTORIA INTO NEW ZEALAND, IN CONTINUATION OF CORRESPONDENCE LAID ON THE TABLE ON THE 25th JUNE, 1856.—(C. No. 8.)

(Laid on the table of the House, July 17 th, 1856, and ordered to be printed.)

Surveyor-General's Office, Ist January, 1855. SrR, —I do myself the honor of forwarding, for the information of his Excellency the Acting Governor, a copy of a letter which I have just received from Melbourne, relative to (he introduction of a large number of emigrants ; and would request to be informed if the Government would be prepared to make a special arrangement, similar to what was done in the case of the body of Highlanders who came to this country, so as to meet the exigencies therein detailed. I have, &c., (Signed) Chas. W. Ligar, Surveyor-GeneraL The Honorable the Colonial Secretary. &c, &c., &c.

ENCLOSURE. JNo. 56, Chancery Lane, Melbourne, 15th December, 1854. Sir, —Under the following rather peculiar circumstances, I take the liberty to solicit from you information, advice, and assistance regarding the settlement of thirty or forty families in New Zealand. Although a man advanced in years, yet 1 am the youngest of a large family ; our family emigrated to Canada thirty years ago, I alone took a different direction, and resided in the East Indies for twenty-five years. Three years ago, I went to see my people in Canada, and found them (including a few of our old tenantry) numbering nearly four hundred souls. They were scattered over a tract of country, nearly 30 miles along the banks of the river Ottawa; I found them in the enjoyment of rude abundance of all the necessaries of life, but deprived of the means of education, and going back to savage life. After mature consideration, I advised the whole to emigrate lo Australia, and proposed such a kind of settlement as would enable them to have the means of education within the reach of all. As a further inducement, I agreed to resign a most lucrative appointment in India, and settle in Australia with all who would emigrate. All consented to leave ; not a man would remain behind. I then selected twelve young men and twelve young women to proceed to Melbourne, and prepare a home for the people as they would arrive. I started myself for India, remained a few C.-No. 9.

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months, resigned my appointment, and came to Melbourne. After residing here for some time, I applied to the Government for 20,000 acres of land, and was ordered a special survey ; after a considerable time, labour, and expense, I could plainly see that the 20,000 acres could only be had by paying down thirty to forty thousand pounds, in thirty days. This we were neither able nor will ng to do Many of my people have now arrived, and are sadly disappointed ; otners are on the way out, and all will deeply regret having been persuaded to leave their comfortable homes in Canada. It is under these circumstances, that I take the liberty of asking you whether we can get about 20,000 acres in New Zealand, so as to have from 300 to 500 acres for each family, and upon what terms t They are all cultivators, and consequently the sea board or a good navigable river, with good agricultural land, would be very desirable. Anxiously awaiting an early reply, I beg to remain >ir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) Walter Taylor. P.S. — Please address as above, 56, Chancery Lane, Melbourne. Should your reply be favourable, I will immediately leave for any part of New Zealand that you may advise, with ten or fifteen families. (Signed) Walter Taylor.