19

D.—2

Clause 3, offering free passages to single women, was contained in the emigration regulations previously issued ; and the Government will have observed that no promissory notes have been lately taken from persons belonging to this class. I have thought it inexpedient to state in the prospectus that the sums required for ship outfit [See clause 15] will be advanced by the Government, for the following reasons: — (1.) Many applicants are able to pay these sums in cash. (2.) The experience of the last twelve months has shown that where no money has been deposited, where the applicants have nothing at stake in the proposals made by them, their appearance at the ship on the day of embarkation cannot be depended upon. To prevent, therefore, loss to the Government arising from change of intention, from caprice or otherwise, on the part of applicants with whom engagements have been made, I have decided to adopt the course indicated. The Government will, however, understand that in the case of eligible applicants who could not otherwise proceed, the cost of ship necessaries will in every such instance be advanced to the emigrant, and will be added to his promissory notes. , 2. Emigration Charter Party— (1.) Conditions of Contract. (2.) Form of Tender of Ship. (3.) Advertisement inviting Tenders. You will notice, after an examination of these documents, that the dietary, the medical comforts, and the space for emigrant's luggage, have all been increased ; that the medicines, &c, will be obtained in all cases, from Apothecaries' Company; that additional powers have been given to the Despatching Officer acting for the Government; and that other alterations and additions have been made in pursuance of the instructions of the Government. With reference to the question of " lay days for disembarkation of emigrants," I find, upon inquiry at the Government Emigration Olßco, that in the early period of Government emigration fourteen days were allowed for this purpose, but that the Commissioners considered it advisable to reduce the number to seven; and I have accordingly adopted that number in the draft contract forwarded herewith. The first vessel will embark emigrants in London for Wellington, on the 15th April. The second ship will proceed to Canterbury on the 22nd April, embarking her passengers at Plymouth—arrangements having been made with the owner of the Emigration Depot there for the accommodation of our emigrants by that and subsequent vessels. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 21. Emigeation to New Zealand, tjndeb the Conduct of the Geneeal Goveenment. 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. Fkee and Assisted Passages are granted by the Government of New Zealand, until further notice, upon the following conditions : — I. Assisted Passages are granted to Married Agricultural Labourers, Navvies, Shepherds, and Country Mechanics, on their giving Promissory Notes for £10 per adult, payable by instalments in the Colony ; or by paying £5 per adult, in cash, before sailing. They must be sober, industrious, of good moral character, of sound mind, free from bodily deformity, in good health, and must be going to the Colony with the intention to work for wages. 11. The Government will not give passages to more than two children between one and twelve years of age in each family ; but parents may pay full passage money, viz. £7, for each child 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. —Fkee Passages are given to Cooks, Housemaids, General Servants, Dairymaids, <fee, who are not under 15 nor over 35 years of age: when accepted they will be required to pay the charge for the ship's outfit—see Clause XV. IV. Daughtees op Mareied Couples, of twelve years of age and upwards, receive feee passages ; and Boys of similar ages, accompanying their parents, will be taken on payment, before sailing, of £4 each in cash, or on giving a promissory note for £6. V. 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. VI. In filling up the " Form of Application " the Applicant must be careful to furnish all the required particulars. If his application be entertained, he 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 an assisted or free passage unless he (or she) shall have been approved of by the Agent-General. No single man above the age of forty years, and no married man above the age of forty-five will be allowed any 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. VIII. As soon as the intending emigrant shall receive notice that he has been approved of, he must pay the sum he may have undertaken to pay. He will then forthwith receive a " Contract Ticket," naming the ship in which he is to sail, and the time and place at which he is to embark.