D.—4.

4

ditions, I beg to observe that in agreeing to clause 1, I reserve to myself the right of withdrawing from the charge should the instructions given bo at any time such as I should be unwilling to carry out. That as regards clause 2 I am happily not encumbered with the advice of an Executive Council, and the obstruction usually incident thereto. That clause 3 will not, in my opinion, tend to the good working of the system; and that it would be better if all communications between the Immigration Officer and the Minister for Immigration passed through the Superintendent whilst in charge. Clause 4 is of course necessary, but it will be desirable a general authority should be given, authorizing the usual expenses necessary to be incurred on the arrival of immigrants. This no doubt is intended. With respect to clause 5,1 beg to call to your attention that no quarantine buildings have yet been erected at Napier, and that, in view of a considerable number of immigrants being expected to arrive in this Province, no time should be lost in providing for what may at any time prove to be a necessity. As to the establishment of depots for immigrants in the interior of the Province, I believe one such depot will be requisite by-and-by, and will materially assist the rapid absorption of the immigrants on arrival. The expenses connected with such a depot as would be required would not be heavy. The question of special settlements is very important, but in the present state of the labour market, and with the existing industries of the Province suffering from a want of labour, no immediate establishment of special settlements can be thought of. As regards unpaid Boards of ladies and gentlemen for the purpose of receiving immigrants on their first arrival, my experience has been that the overzeal of such bodies is a serious trouble and hindrance, and I should not desire to avail of such assistance. With respect to the collection of amounts due by immigrants under their promissory notes, I am of opinion it is desirable the Immigration Officer should act under direct instructions from the immigration Minister. On the subject of the allowance of a reasonable expenditure for purposes incident to the introduction of immigrants, I observe that you will be prepared to allow what is necessary, but that you take objection to claims for maintenance of immigrants in hospital. On this subject, I would observe that cases have occurred, even in the limited immigration which has taken place to this Province up to now, of persons arriving in the Colony utterly destitute, and with families dependent upon them for support, and the heads of the families suffering from diseases of long standing. If such persons are brought out by the Colony, it seems scarcely fair to expect local institutions, such as hospitals, which are maintained, under ordinary circumstances, with difficulty, to bear the heavy charge which may thus be entailed upon them. All such eases should, I think, be considered on their own merits. In conclusion, I beg to express my concurrence with your opinion, that the Provincial Governments may, and I hope will, materially assist the General Government in promoting successful immigration to the Colony. I hare, &c, J. D. Ormond, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 8. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to His Honor the Superintendent, Hawke's Bay. Sir,— Immigration Office, "Wellington, 27th October, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 22nd instant, in which you express your readiness to co-operate and assist, to the utmost of your power, in giving effect to the immigration scheme, and I am glad that my proposals generally meet with your approval. It is not intended to ordinarily use the power of communicating direct with the Immigration Officer, stipulated for in clause 3. Occasions may arise for doing so : for example, in connection with the collection of promissory notes. Indeed, you will permit me to observe, your objection to clause 3 is somewhat inconsistent with your subsequent expression of opinion that " with respect to the collection of amounts due by immigrants under their promissory notes, I am of opinion it is desirablo the Immigration Officer should act under direct instructions from the Immigration Minister." With regard to authority for current expenses necessary in connection with the arrival and disposal of immigrants, I communicate with you separately on the subject, and I have no doubt you will recognize that I meet your views as far as I am able to do. "Whilst unable to see the equity of the Colony being considered generally liable for the maintenance of sick and destitute immigrants, I am quite prepared, under exceptional circumstances, where there is little room to doubt that the immigrants have been improperly sent out, owing to deficient or careless medical inspection, to consider such cases, as you suggest, upon their merits. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Hawke's Bay, Napier. Jtjxifs Vogel.

No. 9. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to His Honor the Superintendent, Hawke's Bay. Sib, — Immigration Office, "Wellington, 31st October, 1873. In reference to your letter of the 22nd instant, and my reply thereto, I have to inform you that I shall be prepared to sanction expenditure upon immigration in your Province, which may come under the following heads and conditions. Vouchers for the same, properly substantiated by your Honor, will be duly recognized:—