A.—No. 1.

10

DESPATCHES EROM THE GOVERNOR OP

Enclosure 3. Memo, by Mr. Fox June 27, 1870. ' i • 1 Enclosure 4. i N.Z. SansarJ for ' 1870, No. 1, p. 21.

3. I would take this opportunity of reporting that it recently came to my knowledge that about twenty-five South Sea Islanders lately arrived at Auckland under contract to work at a flax mill in that neighbourhood. I immediately called the attention of the Colonial Ministers to this fact; observing that (to omit other considerations) I knew from my own experience in Queensland that the introduction of this kind of labour would give much trouble to both the Government and the employers; and that in this temperate climate, where there are no sugar or cotton plantations, there can be no real need for it; while it might interfere with the at present almost purely Anglo-Saxon character of the population of New Zealand, and might otherwise produce, ultimately, various social inconveniences. I added that inquiry should be made forthwith into the circumstances of the importation of the South Sea Islanders referred to above; and that, if this sort of traffic is encouraged or permitted, it will be necessary to have special legislation on the subject here, as in Mauritius, Queensland, and elsewhere. 4. Since my return to Wellington, I have received the enclosed Ministerial Memorandum from Mr. Eox, by which it will be seen that the Government has caused inquiry to be made into this matter, and is satisfied that as yet nothing has occurred in New Zealand to justify its interference ; while it will take care that no abuse shall be permitted. Mr. Fox also refers to his remarks, when this question was mooted on the 17th instant, in the House of Representatives, as is reported at page 21 of the New Zealand JSa?isard for 1870 (No. 1). 5. Public opinion in this Colony seems to be decidedly opposed to any extensive immigration except of members of European races. However, I will, if occasion should require, again address your Lordship on this question. Meanwhile, I hope that you will approve the action which I have already taken respecting it. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. E. BOWEN.

Enclosure 3 in No. 10. Memorandum by Mr. Fox. South Sea Islanders. The Government has already given attention to this subject, and, after inquiry, has satisfied itself that nothing has occurred in New Zealand as yet to justify its interference ; but it will take care that no abuse shall be permitted. (See Hansard, 1870, page 21.) "Wellington, 27th June, 1870. "William Fox.

No. 11. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G., (No. 71.) Government House, Wellington, My Loud,— New Zealand, 30th June, 1870. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch No. 32, of the 24th March ultimo, asking whether the Government of New Zealand have any further claim against the War Office on account of the expenses incurred for the maintenance of Military prisoners in the Colonial gaols, I am requested by my Responsible Advisers to state that, as the prisons in this Colony are under the control not of the General hut of the Provincial Governments, inquiries have been addressed to the proper authorities in the several Provinces, and that the result will be communicated to me as soon as possible for transmission to your Lordship. I hare, &c, The Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. P. BOWEN.