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On the 26tli December, the ship " Lyttelton " sailed from the Clyde for Port Chalmers with 20 souls, equal to 17 adults, consisting principally of nominated emigrants, and workmen engaged for the Mosgiel Manufacturing Company. I am glad to be able to report that intelligence has been received from Pernambuco that the " Piako " has sailed again on her voyage to New Zealand. A letter dated November 29th, received from the Surgeon-superintendent of the ship, reports the emigrants as all in good health (a few slight cases of illness excepted), and I have reason to believe that all the emigrants elected to wait and proceed with the ship, rather than avail themselves of the arrangement which I made for their return to England, in case such a course appeared to any of them necessary. On hearing from you that you had arranged with the New Zealand Shipping Company for a steamer to convey a party of the Kent and Sussex farm labourers, I at once continued to take the necessary steps for obtaining a number of these men who would make suitable emigrants. For that purpose I despatched Mr. Holloway to the district, and he is now actively employed in lecturing, and obtaining applications for passages. I also arranged for the Rev. Mr. Berry to join Mr. Holloway, and commence to carry out the arrangement which was made with him in the colony. Mr. Berry appeared glad of the opportunity of co-operating with Mr. Holloway, as by doing so he would gain some useful experience. The New Zealand Shipping Company have not as yet named a steamer for the service ; but I trust that they will not delay doing so after this date. I have every reason to believe that I shall be able to despatch a very useful body of emigrants by this opportunity. I was glad to receive your telegram directing me to advertise in the manner, and for the purpose, which I suggested in my monthly report for October last. My being; able to commence at once selecting emigrants for this year's season will, I believe, facilitate my operations, both in regard to the quantity and quality of the emigrants. In pursuance of the steps which I have already advised you that I intended to take, as regards the Agency at Edinburgh, I have arranged to finally close the office there; and all matters connected therewith, 1 have reason to believe, will be wound up by the end of this month. Mr. Andrew, Mr. Ottywell, and the clerks of the Agency, have ceased to be officers connected with this department. I am glad, however, to say, that I have arranged with Mr. Ottywell to act simply as local Agent, and also as despatching officer whenever the services of such an officer are required, as regards ships taking emigrants from the Clyde. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 34. The Aoent-GtENEealj to the Hou. the Minister for Imhigeatios". Sic, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, 2nd January, 1879. Eeferring to my letter No. 1,133, of 19th ultimo, respecting the emigrants by the "Piuko," I have the honor to transmit copies of further correspondence respecting the matter. I hare received a communication from the New Zealand Shipping Company to the effect that the " Piako" sailed from Pernambuco on the 29th ultimo for her destination in New Zealand, intelligence of which I understand the Company to have transmitted to the colony by cablegram. I have, &c, JuLirs Vogel, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 34. Mr. T. Gtkai- to the Agent-General. Casualties. — Miscellaneous. — Rewards. Board of Trade (Marine Department), "Whitehall Gardens, S.W., Sib,— 20th December, IS7B. I am directed by the Board of Trade to transmit, herewith for your information, a copy of a report they have received from Her Majesty's Consul at Pernambuco, relative to the burning of the emigrant ship " Piako." I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, Thomas Geay. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, S.W.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 34. The Beitisu Cousttl, Pernambuco, to the Assistant Seceetaey, Board of Trade. Sik, — British Consulate, Pernambuco, 29th N°vember, 1878. I have the honor to inform you that on the 15th instant I transmitted a telegram to the Marquis of Salisbury reporting the arrival, on the 13th instant, on fire, of the emigrant ship " Piako " (OiEcial No. 73,745), Captain Boyd, master, boundfrom London to New Zealand, thirty days out, with 288 emigrants and four first-class passengers. The fire broke out on Monday, the 11th instant, in latitude 10° 27' 8., and longitude 32° 11' W., in the ship's hold, dense yolumea of smoke coming up, and the commander of the said vessel finding that it was impossible, after using every exertion to put out the fire was of no avail, transferred the whole of the emigrants on the " Loch Boon," of Liverpool