D.—4.

8

The Province can readily take about 150 immigrants per month for the next six months, the greater proportion of which should be able-bodied men and single women. The classes of labour required are shepherds, agricultural labourers, carpenters and other mechanics, flax-mill hands, and single women for domestic servants. The present accommodation for immigrants upon arrival is limited to a depot at Picton, of about six small rooms. A few families could be sent to this place from time to time, as the settlement of one lot would make room for another; but operations could not be carried out extensively or satisfactorily without the means of accommodation for a large number in the neighbourhood of Blenheim, where they would be brought in contact with employers, and speedily disposed of. For this purpose I would recommend that immigration barracks should be built near Blenheim, on the higher lands on the south side, out of the way of floods. They should be fitted up to contain about twenty families, and from thirty to fifty single women, and as many single men. The barracks so arranged as to allow a separate building for each class of immigrants—that ia, families, single men, and single women —and a wash-house open to all, would probably cost £1,500 or £2,000. Should you be willing to incur such an expense, I will get plans and specifications prepared, with an estimate of cost, and forward to you with the utmost despatch. I have made inquiries, but cannot get the use of any buildings on lease; neither are there any buildings on sale, with the exception of one in Blenheim, 40 feet by 20 feet, not subdivided. The price of this, with a quarter acre of land in a good situation, is £240; but I would rather recommend the building of suitable barracks more out of the town. There are some subjects mentioned in your printed letter that I need not refer to, as they apply to places where it is proposed that immigrants should be first landed from their ships. The nominated immigrants from whom money may be due under their promissory notes, are so few in this Province, that it would not be worth while to interfere with the arrangements already made for the recovery of those amounts. The Immigration Department will, I understand, be at the whole cost of introducing and maintaining the immigrants until they can be disposed of; but in regard to hospital charges and any expenses of that kind, they would be treated by the Provincial Government in the same way as the other population in the Province. I have, &c, A. P. Seymour, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Superintendent.

No. 16. The Hon. the Minister for Immigeation to His Honor the Sttpebintendeht, Marlborough, Sic, — Immigration Office, "Wellington, 31st October, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 574, of 23rd instant, and am gratified with your assurance that the Provincial Q-overnment of Marlborough are willing to accept my proposals as laid down in my circular letter of 14th instant, and will cordially co-operate in facilitating the introduction and settlement of immigrants. Tour Honor interprets my meaning correctly in assuming that this Department will be at the whole cost of introducing and maintaining the immigrants until they can be disposed of; and I am prepared to sanction such expenditure 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:— 1. Local Staff (Vote 91 upon Estimates). Immigration Officer ... ... ... ... ... ... £25 Gratuity to Police Officer in charge of Barracks at Picton ... ... 10 If circumstances render it necessary to increase the staff, every consideration will be given to your Honor's recommendation. 2. Building and Repairs to Barracks. The barracks at Picton are authorized to be kept in good serviceable repair, so as to be fit and suitable for the temporary accommodation of immigrants. One thousand pounds is authorized towards the erection, fittings, and furniture of immigration barracks at Blenheim. It is presumed that the Province will find any further expenditure which may be necessary. The whole arrangements for the building are left in your Honor's hands. 3. Maintenance of Immigrants whilst waiting Engagement. Under ordinary circumstances, maintenance for immigrants is authorized for one week after arrival, by which time they may be supposed to find work. Single men, except under exceptional circumstances, should certainly not require to be maintained after that period, but further time may be allowed to married people with families. 4. Expenses in connection with Landing Immigrants. All expenses are authorized for landing, wharfage, and carriage of immigrants and luggage to Blenheim. 5. Medical Attendance. Necessary medical attendance for immigrants, whilst in barracks or under maintenance by the Government, is authorized.