D.—2

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information given to Mrs. Drake was calculated to lead to a misapprehension as to the rules and practice of this office, I trust you will excuse my suggesting that, in future cases of this nature, it will be better to refer the inquirer to this office for replies to her questions, and to report to me any statement which the applicant may have made when submitting her application. In the present instance, the emigrant's wish and intention to settle in Australia were not communicated to me prior to her departure. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, Miss Tipple, 23, Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square. Agent-General.

No. 30. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Mintstee for Imhigeation. (No. 76.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 20th January, 1876. Eeferring to your communications, No. 112, of May sth, 1875, and No. 243, of November lGth, 1875, respecting the refunds of moneys paid by Captain Kitchener and Mr. W. Fenwick on account of the passages of certain single women, I have the honor to make the following remarks. I did not gather from Mr. Vogel's letter No. 54, of 12th March, 1874, that I was limited to promising a refund of only one-half the passage money. Mr. Vogel's letter referred to the case of Mr. Ellworthy, to whom I stated that a refund of onehalf the passage would probably be made. So far as my recollection serves me, I indicated that particular amount because at the time the system of assisted passages was in force as regards ordinary emigrants, and I presumed that the Government would grant at least half cost of passage to those persons taking out single women at their own expense. When the system of free passages was established, I considered that it would be consistent to name the full amount of passage money as likely to be refunded. With regard to the other conditions named, the single females taken out by Captain Kitchener and Mr. Fenwick were approved of by me in the usual manner. Mr. Fenwick proceeded direct to Otago by the ship " Wiltshire;" but in the case of Captain Kitchener, I certainly gave him to understand that his proceeding via Australia would not invalidate his claim for a refund. It will be for you to determine whether this omission on my part is of sufficient importance to deprive Captain Kitchener of the refund which ho claims. In connection with this subject, I have to refer to my letter to you, No. 263, of 4th May, relating to Mr. Taunton. I have been informed that exception has been taken to his having come to New Zealand via Sydney, and the refund of the passage money disallowed. His claim virtually stands in the same position as Captain Kitchener's, and my remarks made in that case will apply to him. I have only now to add that since the receipt of your letter of 6th May, 1575, all similar applications for refunds have been replied to in accordance with the instructions contained in that letter. I have, &c, I. E. Featiieestou, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 31. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigbation. (No. 41.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sic, — 21st January, 1876. I have the honor to enclose for the consideration of the Government a statement, submitted to me for that purpose, by the Eev. P. Barclay, in view of his retirement from the office of Emigration Agent, of the claims which he conceives he has for some further compensation over and above the amount of his salary, on account of the services rendered by him in that capacity during the four years of his employment under me in the Highlands and Isles of Scotland. I willingly bear my testimony to the great zeal and diligence with which Mr. Barclay, during that time, devoted himself to the emigration service of the colony, and to the excellent qualifications which he brought to his work; as also to its peculiarly laborious character, involving as it did much travelling in a rough -country and inclement climate. I may also add that I think the salary which he originally agreed to accept must certainly be admitted to have been a very moderate one. Under these circumstances, I cannot hesitate to recommend his memorial to the favourable consideration of the Government. I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 31. The Eev. P. Baeclay to tho Agent-Geneeal. Statement of Claims on the part of Bey. P. Barclay, Agent for Emigration to New Zealand: for the consideration of the Jfeiv Zealand Government. "When the Agent-General asked me to aid him in emigration matters, he asked me on what terms I would render snch help. I said £250 per annum, over and above tho allowance for living and travelling. These were £1 per day, railway, cab, or steamer fares, whon travelling. My friends said