D.—2

48

year; and (3) that a very marked decrease in the number of applications for passages from all quarters has been observable during the past month. My own impression is, that there will be no considerable revival in emigration until the early spring. I beg also (4) to call the attention of the Government to the fact that strongly worded paragraphs have recently appeared in some of the London and provincial newspapers, to the effect that large numbers of emigrants have lately arrived in New Zealand ; that wages have fallen ; that the various Emigration depots were full; and that considerable difficulty was experienced in finding employment for the newly-arrived settlers. I enclose a statement showing the numbers despatched in part execution of the orders forwarded from the colony since Ist March last, and the numbers which require to be sent to complete these orders. I observe that the Superintendents have been made acquainted with the terms of your telegram referred to herein, and have been requested to state what number of the 6,000 or 7,000 Scandinavian emigrants to be despatched during the next two years they recommend to be sent to their respective provinces ; and that upon receipt of their replies you will further advise me upon the subject. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General. EMIGEATION.—IB74-5. Canteebuby. Souls. Souls. Original order (12th March, 1874)... ... 6,000 Supplementary ditto (6th July, 1874) ... 1,000 7,000 Order, 25th September, 1874— Number due, 30th November... ... 1,400 8,400 Number sent to 30th November ... 7,672 728 deficiency. Order, 25th September, 1874— Due in December ... ... ... 350 „ January, 1875 ... ... 350 „ February, 1875 ... ... 250 950 1,678 to end of February, or 559 per month. Otago. Original order ... ... ... ... 6,000 Supplementary ditto ... ... ... 1,000 7,000 Order, 25th September, IS74— Number due, 30th November ... ... 2,400 9,400 Number sent to 30th November ... 8,322 1,078 deficiency. Order, 25th September, 1874— , Due in December ... ... ... 1,200 2,278 Wellington. Original order ... ... ... ... 4,000 Order 25th September, 1874— Number due 30th November ... ... 600 4,600 Number sent to 30th November ... 4,641 41 excess. Order 25th September, 1874— Due in December ... ... ... 300 Due in January, 1875 ... ... 300 Duo in February ... ... ... 300 Due in March ... ... ... 300 1,200 1,159 to end of March, or 289 per month.