D.—6

4

Enclosure A in No. 3. NUMBER of IMMIGRATION SHIP arrived at Napier between 30th June, 1876, and 30th June, 1877.

No. 4. The Immigration Officer, Wellington, to the Undee Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 2nd July, 1877. I have the honor to forward a report on immigration to this port for the year ending 30th June, 1877. I attach a statement showing the number of vessels which arrived during the year, and how the immigrants were disposed of. There was some difficulty found in obtaining employment for the large number of foreigners per " Fritz Eeuter," owing in some measure to the exceptional circumstances under which they were sent out to the colony, and being in addition to the number expected to arrive during the year. I am pleased to be able to state that there has been no vessel placed in quarantine; the buildings are in good repair, and can be occupied at a moment's notice, in the event of a vessel arriving with sickness on board. Five hundred and thirty-four nominations have been received at this office and forwarded, and 217 persons have availed themselves of the passage orders provided by their friends in the colony. I may also add that quite two-thirds of the nominations have been made by persons who themselves came out as immigrants. This, I think, will show that a great many of the new arrivals are more than contented with their prospects. It is also gratifying to observe that since the system of nominated passages has been brought under notice by advertising in the local papers, the number of applications for this description of passage is increasing. The demand for labour is not now so great as it was, and I believe there are many of the useless class of persons who find it difficult to obtain constant work ; but, with the return of spriug, and the commencement of the works about to be started in Wellington, labourers will again become scarce. The tradesmen now most in demand are carpenters, plasterers, bricklayers, and a few plumbers. The demand for single women continues to be as great as ever. I would suggest that no more large families of young children be brought out, except as nominated immigrants, as it is very difficult to find employers to take them, and it is not desirable to send out any that are compelled to give promissory notes for their children in excess of the number allowed to come free, as there is very little chance of the promissory notes being paid. The collection on account of promissory notes has almost become nil. Several immigrants have been summoned, and proceedings taken as far as possible, with the exception of putting them into gaol. This has now become so generally known, that I am afraid very little more will be collected unless other steps can be taken to enforce payment. The sum of £70 2s. 7d. has been received during the • year, and the value of promissory notes now in my hands is £6,309 9s. 6d. The sum of £308 10s. 6d. has been received for rent of immigrants' cottages at Masterton, Greytown, Featherston, and the stockade at Wanganui. Most of the cottages, I am informed by the constables in charge, need repairing; the stockade that has been used for a depot at Masterton is said also to require repairs, if it is still intended to use it for immigrants. The depot at Marton is to be given up on the 31st December, 1877. A report from the Sub-Immigration Officer, Wanganui, will be forwarded as soon as received. I have, <&c, James B. Eedward, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Acting Immigration Officer.

Married. Single. Children. Total Total Souls. Adults. NameB of Ships. Date of Arrival. M. P. M. F. M. 1 a — Remarks. F. lebington nverness Vaitara 'ernglen 24/ 4/76 27/10/76 21/12/76 20/ 3/77 4 24 24 37 I 4 13 9 24 72 i 39 24 66 31 37 78 j 36 2 17 14 30 3 11 20 27 4 9 10 35 191 188 255 32i 173 162 216i From Auckland. I 89 89 229 j 115 63 61 23 669 j 584