44

D.—l

The land is described by the Superintendent as "10,000 acres of good agricultural land, principally bush. It is situated from fourteen to seventeen miles from the harbour of Mongonui, to which a steamer runs weekly from Auckland. A good main road has been formed from Mongonui through the block to Kaitaia Settlement, and the Provincial Government are preparing to execute a minor triangulation of it —(a major triangulation has already been executed by Captain Heale) —for the purpose of throwing it open for settlement under what is known as the Homestead Act (The Auckland Waste Lands Act, 1870)." It is the desire of the Government that you should endeavour to the utmost to promote this scheme of immigration, and to offer as liberal terms to emigrants desiring to avail themselves of this project as you are offering to any other class of emigrants. The proposal to give them land on arrival is an inducement held out independently of any assistance they may receive from you. I am not acquainted with Mr. Dunn, and cannot say whether he is likely to go home to organize this scheme of immigration ; but the remuneration offered, viz., the ordinary capitation allowance, and a free saloon passage in the vessel that takes the emigrants to New Zealand, ought to tend to procure the services of a person of respectability to collect the emigrants, and take charge of them on the voyage. The Colonial Secretary's letter to the Superintendent of Auckland, dated the 14th instant (copy of which is enclosed), will acquaint you with what the Government desires to be done to carry out the proposals of the Superintendent, and the Government rely that, as far as lies in your power, your best services will be given to promote the enterprise. I forward herewith six copies of the Land Act referred to above. Immigration Office, G. Matjbice O'Eoeke. Wellington, New Zealand, 14th February, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 50. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. the Colonal Secbetabt. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 2nd December, 1872. I have the honor to forward a copy of an address presented by the Auckland. Provincial Council, recommending the establishment of an immigrant settlement at Victoria Valley, Mongonui, on such terms as may be agreed upon between the General and Provincial Governments. The Provincial Government will gladly co-operate with your Government in this matter, with the view of giving effect to this recommendation, and any unappropriated Provincial lands in that locality ■will be available for the purpose of settlement. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 50. Session XXVIII. Extract from the Journals of the Auckland Provincial Council, Thursday, 2%th November. 1872. Addeess No. 11. Sesolved, —That a respectful address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to invite the General Government to establish a settlement of immigrants in the Victoria Valley at Mongonui, on such terms as may be agreed on between the General and Provincial Governments. That His Honor be requested to represent to the General Government that the Victoria Valley is suitable for agricultural purposes, and that it is desirable that in the selection of immigrants to be located |in the valley, the Government shall endeavour to procure such settlers as will be likely to avail themselves of the agricultural capabilities of the district. True extract. G. Maitbice O'Eoeke, His Honor the Superintendent. Speaker.

Enclosure 2 in No. 50. The Hon. G. M. "Watebhouse to His Honor T. B. Gillies. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, "Wellington, 11th December, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 4047, 1872, of the 2nd instant, forwarding the copy of an address presented by the Auckland Provincial Council, recommending the establishment of an immigrant settlement at Victoria Valley, Mongonui, on such terms as may be agreed upon between the General and Provincial Governments. In reply, I have to request your Honor to be good enough to favour the Government with information as to what quantity of agricultural land at Victoria Valley is at the disposal of the Provincial Government, and also how far it is available for immediate occupation. I have also to request your Honor to state how many and what description of immigrants the Provincial Government is desirous to see introduced; as also what provision it is proposed by your Honor to make for the supervision and care of the immigrants after their arrival. I have, &c, G. M. Wateehoitse, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. (for the Colonial Secretary).