D.—4

Sess. 11.—1879. NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION. (REPORTS FROM OFFICERS.)

Laid on the Table by the Hon. Mr. Hall with the leave of the House.

No. 1. The Immigration Officer, Nelson, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Memorandum. — Reply to Memorandum No. 648. In the absence of particulars as to the class and description of the immigrants on board the " Opawa," lam unable to state how many may be likely to find employment here. It is possible that many of them may be nominated immigrants who would be received and provided for by their friends. I can, however, state that I have no doubt all the single women will be able to obtain situations at good wages, and a few farm labourers would probably find employment; but beyond those there is no demand for labour. Nominated Immigration. With regard to the now regulation requiring the payment of £o cash per male adult on nomination, I am of opinion that it will to some extent stop the introduction to this district of bond fide settlers. It has already stopped several nominations. If the Government do not see their way to allow free nominated immigration, I am of opinion that it would be better to allow the £o per adult to be paid either by the nominator in the colony at the time of nomination, or by the nominee on acceptance of nomination in England. I have also to call attention to Eegulation No. 3 on the back of tho nomination papers, which provides that free passages will not be granted to more than three children in one family under twelve years of age. I think this regulation works very badly, and presses hardly on those who are least able to bear it, as, the larger a man's family the less he can alford to pay, and much more is required for their outfit. Report for the Quarter ended 30th June, 1879. No immigrants have been introduced during this quarter into the Nelson District. One hundred ;tnd forty four (144) nominations have been received during the quarter. There is still a demand for female domestic servants. Alfred Greenfield, Nelson, 18th September, 1879. Immigration Offier.

No. 2. The Immigration Offices, Napier, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Napier, 18th September, 1879. In reply to your memorandum, No. 347, of 15th instant, I have the honor to inform you that, owing to the general depression, there is very little demand for labour here at present, and consequently there ia some difficulty in finding employment for the immigrants recently arrived per " Rakaia." In about six weeks or two months hence there will be a demand for station hands and farm labourers. Some persons anticipate the supply will not equal the demand, and therefore take the opportunity of engaging men for six months, so as to secure them when required. This remark only applies to those persons in a position to pay extra hands, although not requiring them immediately; consequently such eases are rare. Considering, therefore, that some of the requirements during the busy season are being provided for, and that many men who are now lost sight of will appear when there is a demand for their services, 1 think it very probable there will be some difficulty in finding employment for those immigrants who are now on their way here. AVith reference to the payment of £5 for adult males on nomination, I think this regulation will be found very beneficial, and will tend to prevent the introduction of man}' useless men who would prove an incumbrance to the colony.