35

D.—2

No. 36. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (No. 129.) Sic, — 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., sth March, 1873. I have the honor to send enclosed, copies of the reports of Messrs. Seaton, Farnall, and Barclay, furnishing details of their emigration operations during the quarter ended 31st December last. I forward also the report of Mr. Thomas Birch for the six months ended at the same date. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

. Enclosure 1 in No. 36. Mr. J. Seatost to Dr. Featherston. Sic, — Glasgow, 11th January, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of 4th and 6th instant, desiring me to furnish a report of my operations during the past quarter, specifying the districts visited and date of visit, also the number of emigrants selected by me, and to give an approximate idea of the number of people likely to be sent out during the next three months. In compliance with that request, I have the honor to report that in the begining of the quarter I visited Bathgate, Blackburn, Mid-Galder, and Campbelton ; at each place applications were made to me for information regarding New Zealand, and a desire expressed by many to go there. All those who indicated they had any intention of going were supplied with schedules and forms of application. But as I had no fixed residence where, when my visit terminated, parties could forward their applications, or send written inquiries on any matter, I am quite in the dark as regards the number that may have gone out, as their applications would be sent direct to your office, or probably through some of the local agents. In the latter end of November I delivered a lecture in the Trades Hall, Glasgow, to a very large audience. At the conclusion great numbers waited upon me, wishing to know where I could be found, and wanting schedules, and other necessary information to enable them to take advantage of the terms offered by me. The necessity was thus forced upon me of having a place where people could find me, or send their inquiries to. To meet that difficulty I rented an office where, during the first two weeks the representatives of 400 souls called, and many others since ; but when they knew London was the port of embarkation, they all, with one or two exceptions, demurred to incur the trouble and expense of such a (as they considered unnecessary) journey. On my reporting the same to you, instructions were sent in reply that you were exceedingly anxious that I should assist Mr. Auld in every possible way, and desiring me to refer emigrants wishing to go to Otago in the first instance to him. As advised, I put myself in communication with Mr. Auld, for the purpose of making arrangements to send those who objected to go by London, through his agency. He very frankly accepted of my offer, and said provision would be made to forward any that I might select. Mr. Andrews has since supplied me with the requisite forms, &c. But as emigrants are unfond to leave in the winter months, Mr. Andrew has arranged that a vessel shall sail from Glasgow in the latter end of March or beginning of April, when I expect a considerable number will avail themselves of the opportunity of going by her. lam unable to form any opinion of the number likely to go before that time, owing to the great disinclination that exists against embarking at London. If not instructed to the contrary, I intend to make Glasgow my head-quarters for the future, visiting other parts of the country to hold meetings, lectures, &c. By this means I will be able to give an address where all communications can be sent to. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, Esq. James Seaton.

Enclosure 2 in No. 36. Mr. H. "W. Faenall to Dr. Feathebston. Sic, — 2J, Corporation Street, Belfast, 14th January, 1873. In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 4th instant, I beg to furnish you with a report of the progress and result of the New Zealand Emigration Scheme in the north of Ireland during the quarter ending 31st December, 1872. I regret that the prolonged and dangerous illness of a near relation during the months of November and December prevented my visiting the out-districts in person; and during those months I devoted myself entirely to the work of the office at 2 -\, Corporation Street, the business of which has increased very considerably since my last report. The district visited by me in the month of October was the Maghera District,-including the southern portion of the County of Londonderry. In the town of Maghera itself I had a very successful meeting, the success of which was in a great measure owing to the admirable arrangements made by the late sub-agent at that place (Mr. J. Sytle), who took great pains to have my lecture well advertised beforehand. I had made arrangements to hold meetings in the Strabane and Portadown Districts, but the agents in those places recommended their postponement for a time. In compliance with the instructions given me by yourself when you visited this district in December last, I advertised for local agents in the Provinces of Ulster and Connaught to select emigrants for New Zealand, in consequence of which advertisement a large number of people offered 6—D. 2.