D.—No. 3

14

PAPERS RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.

The Euataniwha Block, of about 10,000 acres, is bush land, situate at the base of the Buahine Eange, and between the spurs of the Buahine and the open plain of the Euataniwha. There are already a considerable number of small settlers scattered along the edge of the bush, whose holdings join the block proposed to be given. The land is good, and either flat or low hills. The adjoining district is settled, and the road connecting it with Napier is excellent. The proposed railway from Napier to AVellington would be within a few miles. The Seventy Mile Bush Block, 15,000 acres, could be selected where thought desirable. The purchase is virtually concluded, and my wish would be to place the settlement within reach of the junction of the lines from Wellington to Napier and from AVellington to the West Coast. All accounts agree that the land in that block, the Ahua-o-turanga, is first class. People accustomed to bush work would be the most suitable for this settlement; and the proposed railway works, if determined on, would materially assist the immigrants. I shall be obligetl by your replying as early as convenient to this letter, in order that steps may be taken as soon as possible to carry out the objects proposed. I have, Ac, J. D. Oemond, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

Enclosure 1 in No. 22. Extract from the Minutes of the Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay. The Select Committee appointed, on 17th day of May, 1871, "to inquire and report what blocks of land are available for special settlement, and also as to the terms upon which such lands should be granted," beg to report as follows : — The Committee recommend that the following blocks be set apart for " special settlements," and that the terms upon which the several blocks may be granted shall be matter of agreement between His Honor the Superintendent and the Colonial Government, viz.: — (1.) The block of land on the west side of the Ruataniwha Plain, between the Tuke-Tuke and Manga-Mauku Eivers, containing about 10,000 acres. (2.) A block of land in the Seventy Mile Bush, containing 15,000 acres, to be selected by the Superintendent. (3.) The Nuhaka Block, containing 14,000 acres. (4.) The Mahia Block, containing 15,000 acres. The Committee would suggest that blocks 3 and 4 are well adapted for German settlements, as their soil and situation are suitable for vine-growing. Johx A'Deane, 30th May, 1871. Chairman. Mr. A'Deane moved, That the Report of the Special Settlement Committee be adopted. Mr. Tanner seconded the motion. Motion agreed to unanimously.

Enclosure 2 in No. 22. Extract from the Minutes of the Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay. Mb. Oemond, pursuant to notice, moved, —Whereas under the Public Works and Immigration Act provision is made for the introduction of immigrants and the establishment of special settlements by the Governor: And whereas the Select Committee appointed to report what blocks of land are available for special settlement, did, on the 30th May ultimo, report in favour of setting aside and granting certain blocks therein described for special settlement, and that Report has been adopted : This Council resolves that the Superintendent be requested to move the Governor to take the necessary steps to give effect to the recommendation contained in the Eeport of the Select Committee above referred to. Mr. A'Deane seconded the resolution. Resolution adopted unanimously.

No. 23. The Hon. W. Gisbokne to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 3rd July, 1871. I do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th ultimo, iv reference to immigration and the settlement of certain blocks of land in the Province of Hawke's Bay. At present no terms have been submitted to the Government for special settlements by the Superintendents of other Provinces, and I am unable, therefore, to state more for your guidance in this respect than is contained in the following extract from the report of Mr. Halcombe relative to the Scandinavian immigrants at Manawatu : — " Each immigrant family is located on forty acres of land, which they are to hold on the following terms: — " Twenty acres is reserved for two years certain, and they have a right to purchase it at any time within that period ; but if they purchase within twelve months, the other twenty acres is reserved for