D.—3

16

tention be correct, then the rate will be £14 10s. per adult, plus 125., the cost of extra dietary scale. If Mr. Turner's, then the accounts will stand as stated, and the balance over £14 10s. paid in the Colony. The claim for short shipments per " Adamant" will be determined in same manner, and will be either for the difference between 1294 and 150 (guaranteed under new contract at £14 10s.), or as claimed, for half, at £8 ss. per adult. I. E. Featherston, C W. Turner.

No. 15. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 701.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 28th October, 1873. Referring to the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of sth July (No. 144,1873), I have the honor to inform you that I have already been in communication with the representatives of various co-operative associations in this country. I have now to report that Mr. Vesey Stewart, who originated the special settlement movement about which Mr. Farnall was in communication with the Superintendent of Auckland, and who represents a large body of Orangemen, has accepted my offer of 200 guineas to cover the cost of a return passage to and from the Colony, and the expenses incident thereto. Mr. Stewart is sanguine of his ability to induce a considerable number of families possessing capital to emigrate to Auckland, and with that view is desirous of obtaining the fullest information as to the resources and capabilities of the Province. I believe it is his intention to proceed to New Zealand by the P. and O. mail steamer next month. I have, &c., I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 16. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 702.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 28th October, 1873. Referring to the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of Ist August (No. 157, 1873), forwarding copy of report from the Immigration Officer at Napier, calling attention to the scarcity of labour in that Province, I have the honor to state that the " Hovding," with 206 immigrants, and the " Queen of the North," with 1774 adults, have recently sailed for the Port of Napier, and that another vessel is laid on for November. I shall use every endeavour in my power to make up the full number applied for by His Honor Mr. Ormond. I have, &c., I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 17. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 711.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 28th October, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the Hon. Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum of 27th June (No. 141, 1873), on the subject of emigration from Belgium. In reply, I beg to state, for the information of the Government, that some time since I despatched an agent to Belgium and to the Duchy of Luxembourg, for the purpose of promoting emigration to New Zealand. He was quite unsuccessful, however, and reported that although it might be possible to obtain a few emigrants at Luxembourg, it would be difficult or hopeless to do much in Belgium, where, as the Consul-General admits, the inhabitants are living under a most paternal rule, are much attached to their native land, and are very unwilling to leave it. It will be seen, therefore, that I cannot hold out to the Government much hope of being able to supply emigrants from those countries. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.