34

D.—2

that they will furnish an explanation of the charges made by the persons referred to. A copy of Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co.'s reply will be forwarded to the Government by next mail. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. I. E. Featheeston.

No. 33. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (No. 234.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. Sib,— 17th, April 1873. In forwarding the enclosed letter from Mr. John Morrison, it is unnecessary for me to do more than to confirm his statement that during the period he has been in my office he has not been in the capacity of a Despatching Officer. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. Enclosure in No. 33. Mr. J. Moerison to Dr. Featheeston. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Deae Doctoe Featheeston, — 10th February, 1873. When you assumed the duties of Agent-General, at your special request I consented to assist you, but in undertaking to do this you may remember that I declined accepting the appointment that the Government of Mr Fox authorized you to offer me, and further that this assistance was to be only of a temporary nature. I am reluctant to do anything at the present time that may cause you inconvenience ; but as I intended withdrawing from the office at the end of the past year, and only withheld carrying out this intention owing to your serious illness, you will not, I trust, object to my now doing so. I am especially anxious now to retire, because I have it upon good authority that the Memorandum of the Public Works Department No. 124, October, 1872, directing you to appoint a Despatching Officer, although not directly alluding to myself, is sent expressly to terminate my connection with your office. It is not my intention to offer any remarks in regard to the course adopted by the present Government; but in replying to the Memorandum in question, I beg that you will cancel their misconception in supposing that I held the appointment of Despatching Officer, or that I regulated the shipping arrangements of the emigrant ships. I have only, in conclusion, to express my gratification at the cordial relations which have existed between us during our official connection, and to assure you that if at any time I can be of any assistance to you in the discharge of your duties, you may command my services. Yours faithfully, I. E. Featherston, Esq., John Morrison. Agent-General for New Zealand, Colville Square.

No. 34. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (No. 232.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib— 18th April, 1873. With reference to the Hon. Mr. Watorhouse's Memorandum No. 27,1872, of 27th November, ordering 8,000 statute adult emigrants to arrive during 1873, and to the Hon. Mr. Vogel's subsequent telegram, in which the number required was increased to 10,200 statute adults, I have the honor to state that I have every reason to believe that the number of emigrants required will be despatched, though they may not arrive, before the close of the current year. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 35. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (Extracts from Telegram.) London, 25th April, 1873. Emigbation order will be executed during current year. " Halcione," " Fleming," sailed 17th, with full complement, Wellington, Otago. 1,400 emigrants engaged for May. Sis ships taken up for June. No firm except Sayille's tender; arranged with Turner privately for three ships Canterbury, at £16 10s.; accepted Saville's tender for four June ships, at £14 —one Napier, £16. Regret instructions not to send emigrants June, July, August was not withdrawn sooner. * * * Not true that I have ever delegated to any person, or that illness has prevented me discharging, my duties for single day since my arrival. Morrison left. Emigration Agents sent home costly, useless. ********* Featheeston, London.