D.—No. 11a

EMIGRANT AND COLONISTS AID CORPORATION.

4

the abandonment of the New Zealand scheme, and thus, for many years, if not for ever, quench the desire, which they at present entertain, to establish with New Zealand an emigration connection of a permanent nature, which might, under favourable circumstances, increase its sphere of action as years roll on, and enable that Colony to effect a considerable reduction in the cost of its emigration agency, as it is at present organized. In conclusion, I beg to request that a definite reply may be sent to me at the earliest date convenient to you and your Government, inasmuch as it has been resolved—lst. Not to embark any emigrants or plant for the development of the Manawatu Block until the Directors can obtain the amount of money requisite for their operations ; and 2nd. Not to try any further appeal to the public for money until after a suitable modification of the terms of the contract. With a view, however, to action being resumed immediately on the receipt of a favourable reply, the Directors have furnished the funds necessary to keep on the advertisements for suitable colonists, and they have good reason to suppose that they will be able to send out the 2,000 statute adults long before tho term agreed upon, and of such a class as will tend very considerably to the benefit of the Colony. In support of this opinion, I may state that, whilst we have on our books, at the present moment, application from 600 (over) suitable persons desirous of emigrating to New Zealand under the auspices of an. organization such as ours, the number of applicants of a higher class of colonists is constantly on the increase. Annexed hereto are documents to show that the opinion of the financial public is not unfounded. The figures from which the calculations are deduced have been obtained from men of business, and others who have recently been, or are still, in connection with New Zealand, and are therefore competent judges. With many apologies for the length of this letter which, however, was unavoidable, I have, &c, His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., &c. &c. W". Feilding.

Note.—Slip A. has not reached mo.—G-.E.8. Slip B. New Zealand business (scheme of Colonization) was transacted at the meetings of the Directors of the Emigrant and Colonists' Aid Corporation (Limited) held on the days here given:— Special meeting of the Board, March 27, 1872. Ordinary Board meetings, April 3, 18, 25; May 9, Hi, 23, 30 ; June 6, 13, 20, 27 ; July 4, 8, 11, 18, 25 ; August 7. Committee meetings, April 9,12,15, 18, 22, 25, 29 ; May 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 17, 20, 27 ; July 1, 4, 8, 15, 18, 22, 25. Also, eleven deputations and conferences for financing, besides many private conferences of Sir C. Clifford and Colonel Feilding with financial establishments, which are not recorded. C. Stewart Bailey, 9th August, 1872. Secretary, Emigrant and Colonist's Aid Corporation (Limited).