D.—2

4

Mr. Bayley informed me'that his Company were preparing to largely use an ore of iron obtained in New South Wales, which, after many experiments, they have found to offer peculiar advantages for the production of iron of a superior quality. This ore is a hematite, containing a large quantity of silica. This admixture, which was supposed to bo a great disadvantage, has, under a process employed by the company, proved of signal value. Seeing how much enterprise the Company had displayed in this matter, it naturally occurred to me to bespeak its services in respect to the ores of iron found in New Zealand. Mr. Bayley expressed himself willing to give them a thorough trial, I first referred to the ores of the Parapara mine. I was not, however, able to say much about this enterprise, beyond that the ore and coal are closely associated. I have an impression that I saw in a New Zealand paper something to the effect that the company, through insufficient capital, was unable to prosecute its labours. I throw out the hint that it might be worth the while of the owners to send home samples of this ore, and such particulars as they desire to furnish, and I will see that they reach the Company. Respecting the Taranaki ironsand, I was of course able to say more, and I am glad to add I enlisted Mr. Bayley's interest in it. Under the Bessemer process, an immense amount of surplus heat is generated, and I suggested to Mr. Bayley that, by introducing the sand into the receptacles containing metal already in a melted state, the great difficulty of dealing with pulverized ore might be got over. Mr. Bayley thought well of the suggestion, and agreed to give the sand a thorough investigation and trial, both in the laboratory and furnace, if sufficient were sent home lor the purpose. If five tons are sent home, the Company will take delivery from the ship, and pay expenses from arrival in London to the works, the sand to be supplied to them free in London. I need scarcely point out to you the importance of this matter. The use of the New South "Wales ore will enable a profitable ballast to bo supplied to all ships from New South Wales ports. It would be of great consequence if the same could be done from New Zealand. I understand that the New South Wales ore will cost something like £2 10s. to £3 in London, whilst Taranaki sand could surely be brought home in ballast for much less. If you see fit to send home the sand, I will exert myself to see that it is thoroughly tried. Mr. Bayley also agreed to try the sand in combination with asphalte, for the purposes of roads and pavements, a suggestion which youmay remember I long since threw out. I have, &c, Jrairs "Vogel, The Hon, the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 7. The Agent-Gteneeal to the Hon. the Ministeb for Immiqeation. Sib, — 7, "Westminster Chambers, London, 9th August, 1878. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 23rd May, No. 106,* relating to the paper read by me before the Eoyal Colonial Institute on New Zealand and the South Sea Islands. I am pleased to find that the paper is approved by the Government; and am much indebted to you for the kind and flattering manner in which you speak of it. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon, the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 8. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — 7, "Westminster Chambers, London, 12th August, 1878. 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 107, of 12th June, on the subject of granting of passages to single men—saloon cabin passenger?. I am not sure that I correctly interprot your meaning to bo, that I am not to make any special inquiry concerning the young men passengers, but am to rely on the care with which the emigrants hare been selected, and upon the faithful enforcement of discipline on board the ship. It is possible, however, you may have meant the word " emigrants " to cover the cabin passengers, in which case, of course, you include them in the list of those concerning whom lam to make strict inquiry. Ido not think this is your meaning, but I shall be glad if you will set the doubt at rest. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister £or Immigration, 'Wellington. Agent-General. P.S. —I enclose two blank forms, which are at present in use in this matter.—J.V.

No. 9. The Agent-G-eneral to the Hon. the Minister for Immigeation. Sib, — 7, "Westminster Chambers, London, 31st August, 1878. I have the honor to transmit for your information copy of extract from a letter received from Mr. C. Hollovray, respecting the system of nomination. Without agreeing with his opinion that the system * No. 18, D.-1., 1878.