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Mr. J. Brogden to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sic, — "Wellington, 28th October, 1872. Having reference to our conversation on Saturday last, I have now the honor to submit in writing the proposition which I then made. It is that the Government should at once relieve my firm of all further obligations (if any) under the contract of 27th June, 1872, and that the Government should repay to us all actual outlay incurred by us in connection with that contract, we indorsing to the Government the promissory notes given to us by the immigrants, and undertaking to aid the Government as far as we can in recovering the amounts payable under those notes. I need not repeat in writing the reasons which I urged why the Government should adopt this course. Should the Government consent to it, I shall be willing, on the part of my firm, to enter into arrangements with the Government for obtaining emigrants in England ; but I think it inexpedient to propose terms for that service, which had perhaps better be discussed after the Government have signified their determination in regard to the matter in the former part of this letter. This letter is of course without prejudice. I have, &c, The Minister for Immigration, Wellington. James Brogden. The Hon. G. M. O'Borke to Mr. J. Brogden. Sir, — Lands and Immigration Office, Wellington, 2nd November, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, in which you propose that the Government should at once relieve your firm of all further obligations (if any) under the immigration contract of 27th June, 1872, and that you should be repaid the actual outlay incurred in connection with that contract; the promissory notes given by the immigrants being indorsed to the Government, and your firm undertaking to assist in recovering the sums due under those promissory notes. In reply, I have to express to you the regret of the Government that, after the gravest consideration, they find themselves unable to meet your views so far as to relieve the firm from their liabilities in connection with the conduct of immigration under the agreement referred to ; but I may state that, so far as regards modification in the terms of the contract as respects future operations, favourable consideration will be given to any suggestion or recommendation which may be made by the AgentGeneral, with whom, upon the subject, your firm are invited to place themselves in immediate communication. I have, &c., J. Brogden, Esq. G. Maurice O'Korke. Mr. J. Brogden to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir,— Wellington, 4th November, 1872. Having reference to our recent correspondence respecting the immigration arrangements of the 27th June, 1872, 1 desire especially to put upon record one of the grounds upon which I, at several interviews, urged the Government to relieve my firm from their obligations (if sa\j) under it—'namely, that it places the immigrants in a far worse pecuniary position than those who are introduced under the ordinary Immigration Regulations of the Government, whilst it also places my firm in the invidious position of endeavouring to enforce upon such of them as we may be desirous of employing, conditions more unfavourable than those under which we can employ other persons of the same classes. This letter must, however, not be treated as any recognition on my part of any obligation under the arrangement above referred to. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. James Beogden. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 13th June, 1873. I have the honor to forward herewith, for the information of the Government, copy of correspondence which I have had with Messrs. Brogden and Sons. As their letter of the 12th instant was only received by me this morning, it is of course impossible for me to make any comments upon it by the present mail. I shall feel obliged by you informing me how far the statements made by Messrs. Brogden and Sons are correct. I have, &c, I. E. Peatherstow, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General. Messrs. Brogden and Sons to the Agent-General. Sir, — 5, Queen Square, Westminster, S.W., 15th May, 1873. In our interview with you on the 10th April last, we understood you to say that you were not then empowered to concede to our claim in reference to the emigration operations we have conducted with you on behalf of the Government of New Zealand.* We have now the honor to enclose an extract from a letter received by the last mail, which reads as follows:— " Public Works Office, Wellington, 26th February, 1873. " . . . With reference to your remarks relative to emigration, the Government understand that Messrs. Brogden only undertook the sending out of labourers from England to keep