7

D.—6

No. 8. The Immigeation Offices, Christchurch, to the Undee Seceetaey for Immigeation. Sic, — Immigration Office, Christchurch, 30th June, 1877. I have the honor to submit, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, the following report upon the immigration operations in this district, for the year ending 30th June, 1877 :— 1. Labour demand and supply. —There has been a steady demand for labour throughout the year, and during the summer months it was very brisk. Since the Ist July last, seven ships have arrived direct to Lyttelton with immigrants, and two part shipments have been forwarded from other ports. The total number introduced has been 2,014 souls, equal to 1,738 statute adults, as against 3,669 souls, equal to 3,168^ statute adults, introduced during the previous year. The total number of immigrants introduced into this district, since the passing of the Public Works to date, has been 21,344 souls, equal to 17,803 statute adults. The following is the return of the ships conveying immigrants during the past year, showing tho date of arrival, length of passage, number shipped, number landed, and the births and deaths on the passage:—

This number is classified as follows, viz.,— 291 families, comprising 1,085 souls ... ... ... =809 statute adults. Single men ... ... ... ... ... 533 „ Single women ... ... ... ... ... 396 „ Total 2,014 souls ... ... ... =1,738 2. Character and Suitability of Immigrants. —The immigrants introduced have been of good character, and were generally suitable for the requirements of the district. 3. Rates of Wages. —Married couples, for farms and stations, £60 to £70 per annum; married men with families, 4s. to 6s. per day, with cottage found; ditto, for bush-work, 6s. to 9s. per day; grooms and coachmen, £40 to £50 ; shepherds, £50 to £60, and found ; gardeners, £50 to £55 ; single men, for farms and stations, £40 to £55; masons, bricklayers, carpenters, and plasterers, Bs. to 12s. per day; blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coopers, coachmakers, and plumbers, 9s. to 10s. per day; shoemakers and tailors, £2 10s. to £3 per week (piece-work) ; general labourers, 6s. to Bs. per day. Single women (domestic servants) cooks, £30 to £40 per annum, and found; general servants, £20 o £30 per annum, and found. 4. Nominated System, how ivorking. —The nominated system continues to work satisfactorily. The total number of nominations taken at this office for the past year was 682 souls, equal to 625 statute adults. 5. Special Settlements. —No special settlements have been formed in this district at present on any extensive scale. 6. Recovery of Bills and Promissory Notes. —l am pleased to report that considerable progress has been made in the collection of bills and notes during the past year. The total amount collected on immigration has been £1,847 16s. 4d., as under: —On bills and notes, £1,181 13s. 2d.; provincial notes, £192 ss. lid.; passages in advance and outfit, £158 Bs. 6d.; rents, £212 14s. 9d.; refunds, £48 145.; sale of tanks, £54: total, £1,847 16s. 4d. I look forward to collecting a larger amount during tho next twelve months. I have, &c, J. E. March, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 9. The Immigeation Officer, Timaru, to the Undee Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Timaru, 4th July, 1877. In reply to your circular dated the 7th May, I have the honor to lay before you the following report on immigration in my district for the year ending 30th June, 1877: —1. The total number of

No. Shipped. No. Landed. Date of Days ! Name or Ship. BlBTHS. Deaths. Aekival. OUT. Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. I | City of Dunedin Waitangi Rangitikei Cardigan Castle Waipa Wiltshire Carnatic Camperdown ... Leicester 1876. July 1... Sept. 16... Dec. 11... 1877. Jan. 6... „ 24... Feb. 17... April 14... 9S 84 94 95 ss 97 276 337 320 324 282 282 32 68 105 237 2811 2771 2801 249 2511 251 67 82 276 341 318 313 281 281 31 68 105 237 2811 274 272 248| 2501 251 67 82 1 4 (i 4 2 1 8=31 15=8* 3= i 1=] 1 Total 2,026 1,7511 2,014 1,738 17 29=131