D.—No. 1a

10

CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE

No. 8. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (No, 148.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— Bth February, 1872. I have the honor to enclose a copy of the emigration regulations I have framed and issued for the whole Colony, and upon which we are at present acting ; but as it is possible that some modifications will shortly have to be made in them, and as certain other documents aro not yet printed, I shall refrain, at present from commenting upon them, more especially as I hope soon to bo in a position to enter into the question of emigration in all its different bearings. I may, however, mention that these regulations were only adopted after a full discussion of two days at a conference held here on the Ist and 9th December, 1871, and at which Mr. A.uld, Mr. Morrison, Air. Ottywell, Bey. P. Barclay, and Mr. C. B. Carter were present. Those gentlemen were unanimous in opinion, Ist, that it was quite impossible to carry on emigration on the scale contemplated by the Government, unless a uniform system was adopted ; and, 2nd, that it was utterly bej^oncl the power of the class of emigrants desired, to contribute any considerable amount, if indeed any, towards the cost of their passage in cash ; and that, therefore, the adoption of the promissory note system was an inevitable necessity. The Sub-Agents have all given testimony to the same effect. At the time I adopted these regulations, I was fully aware that I was exceeding my powers; but I took upon myself the responsibility, because I was convinced that unless I did so there was no possibility of my being able to make such arrangements as those I have already entered into. It is gratifying to me to find that I have merely anticipated the instructions conveyed in your memorandum No. 54. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington, New Zealand. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 8. Emigeation to New Zealand, undee the conduct oe the Geneeal Government. Applications for Assisted Passages should be addressed to the Agent-General, at 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., from whom forms of application and all other information may be obtained. • Assisted Passages are granted by the Government of New Zealand, until further notice, upon the following conditions: — I. Passages are granted to Agricultural Labourers, Navvies, Shepherds, Country Mechanics, and Female Domestic Servants. They must be sober, industrious, of good moral character, of sound mind, in good health, and must be going to the Colony with the intention to work for wages, 11. Married Couples and Families can obtain passages on the terms undermentioned, viz.:—The sum of £5 per adult, in cash, will be accepted in full payment for the passage. If the emigrant is unable to pay the whole of the money before sailing, he will be required to sign a promissory note for a sum equal to double the amount remaining unpaid, thus : — When only £1 per adult is paid in cash, the sum to be repaid by Promissory Note will be £8 each adult. When only £2.per adult is paid in cash, the sum to be repaid by Promissory Note will be £6 each adult. When only £3 per adult is paid in cash, the sum to be repaid by Promissory Note will be £4 each adult. When only £4 per adult is paid in cash, the sum to be repaid by Promissory Note will be £2 each adult. The Government will not give assisted passages to more than two children between one and twelve years of age in each family ; but parents may pay full passage money for children in excess of that number. Every person above the age of twelve years is reckoned as an adult; children between one and twelve are reckoned as half an adult; and infants under one year are taken free of charge. 111. Single Women. —Passages without pre-payment are given to Cooks, Housemaids, General Servants, Dairy-maids, &c. They will be required to sign promissory notes for Five Pounds each, payable in quarterly instalments, the first payment to be made three months after their arrival in the Colony. These passages will be restricted to females who are not under 15 nor over 35 years of age. IV. Single Men.—As respects single men, the sum to be paid in cash for the full passage will be £8 for each adult. If the applicant cannot give that sum, he may pay £4 in advance, and sign a promissory note for £8. V. The Promissory Notes referred to in the preceding clauses will be made payable on demand ; but unless the passenger dispute the debt, or shall attempt to leave the Province to which his passage is taken, payment will only be required in quarterly instalments, the first payment to be made three months after landing. VI. In filling up the " Form of Application " the Applicant must be particular to state the sum which he is prepared to pay towards his passage. If his application be entertained, the Applicant will receive a form containing certain " Certificates," and unless he can obtain proper Signatures to these Certificates, he will not be accepted. VII. No person will be allowed any assistance unless he shall have been approved of by the AgentGeneral. No Single Man above the age of forty years, and no Married Man above the age of fortyfive will be allowed assistance. But any person so ineligible on account of age, and going with a family eligible for assistance, may receive a passage on payment of the entire expense incurred in providing it.