D.—B

that the Chief Surveyor has reported that, owing to the particular shape these 4,000 acres have now been chosen, he cannot afford a description until the block of sections have been sectioned; he will, however, write to the District Surveyor to furnish the information at the earliest possible period. I have, &c, "Wm. Holmes, C. E. Haughton, Esq., "Wellington. (for Commissioner of Crown Lands).

No. 24. Ec /Scandinavian and Road Labourers' Settlement at Pahnerston, Manawatu. Memorandum for the Hon. Mr. O'Eorke. Tiie latest correspondence relative to this subject appears to be a letter from the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, of date 25th January, 1873 (P."W. 72-3450). This letter appears to have been accepted by His Honor as finally deciding the question at issue, for His Honor subsequently applied for the payment to the Provincial Treasury of all moneys deposited by Scandinavian immigrants or road labourers in the Colonial Treasury, in part payment for the lands occupied by them. A Provincial Government Gazette, of date 14th March, 1873, was also issued, containing a proclamation by His Honor that these lands were set aside under " The "Wellington Land on Deferred Payments Act, 1871," and copies of the circular herewith were sent to all the Scandinavian immigrants. Thus the whole matter was practically removed out of the hands of the Colonial Government and undertaken by the Provincial authorities. But as the question was somewhat involved, I was instructed, by Memo, of His Honor Mr. O'Eorke, of date 24th March, 1873, to visit Palmerston, and assist in putting the whole thing into proper form. Accordingly I visited Palmerston twice in the month of April last, to receive the applications required under the Land on Deferred Payments Act, and have placed them all in the hands of the Crown Lands Commissioner, with a clear memorandum as to the exact position of the whole matter. My report, which will be sent in immediately, closes the transaction as far as any action by the Colonial Government is concerned. A. FoLLETT HaLCOMBE, "Wellington, 17th March, 1873. Immigration Officer.

OTAGO. No. 25. Mr. W. H. Clayton to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sib,— Colonial Architect's Office, 29th November, 1872. "When Mr. Reeves held office I suggested to him, with reference to the Stewart's Island Barracks, that a hulk would be more economical than erecting buildings, as it could be moored close in shore, with stages to land by. Mr. Eeeves instructed me to make inquiry as to the cost at which a hulk could be purchased, and I have ascertained that a suitable three-decked vessel, the " Chelsea," can be bought in Sydney, put in order, and delivered in any port in Now Zealand at from £1,300 to £1,400. The vessel is described as sound, and would last any time in harbour. One important feature in the case is, that when no longer required for the purposes of Immigration, the hulk would be nearly worth the money as a coal hulk. I have, &c, W. H. Clayton, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Colonial Architect. N.B.—Mr. Beck, who obtained the information, is about returning to Sydney, and would like an answer as soon as possible.—"W. H. C.

No. 26. His Honor J. Macandrew to the Hon. G. M. "Waterhouse. Dear Sir,— Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 7th December. 1872. Mr. Ktzherbert, while acting as Immigration Minister, requested me to make arrangements for the erection of immigration barracks at Stewart's Island. A proposal was previously submitted to me, by which it was intended to expend some £1,000 to £1,500 on this object. To this I objected, stating that £250 would be nearer the mark. Subsequently, however, I found that it would be necessary to provide residence for the keeper and his family, which I thought could be done for £250 additional. I was authorized to get building erected accordingly. Suitable plans and specifications have been prepared, and tenders received. In consequence, however, of the very great increase which has taken place in all contracts within the last two months, the lowest tender is £600, and I very much fear that if the matter in delayed the price will be still higher. I shall, therefore, be glad to be advised as to how I should act in the matter. I may state that many of the tenders for Provincial works which we have been lately compelled to accept are as much

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