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railways. Married men with families of children of tender age will be difficult to place at the present time,' in consequence of the general depression of trade and the low price of grain. I would point out in this connection that the ship " Invercargill," due here this week from Glasgow, has thirty-nine families on board, of which only four are nominated, and sixty-three children under twelve years of age. 1 would suggest that, until times are more prosperous, fewer married people be sent in each ship. By making use of the railways in dispersing the immigrants to the various centres of population —say Invercargill and Oamaru—l hope to be able to place the whole of those now on the way to this port without much hardship to themselves or expense to the department. With reference to the second subject referred to in your memorandum, I am glad to say that the recent change in the regulations, requiring a payment of £5, has had a very salutary effect, and will be the means of introducing a much better class of immigrants without materially affecting the number to be introduced. My opinion as to the necessity for such a change had been formed some time ago, and from the short experience I have had of the working of it, I am more convinced that it was necessary. Colin Allan, Dunedin, 22nd September, 1879. Immigration Officer.

No. 7. The Immigration Officer, Wellington, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 26th September, 1879. I have the honor to reply to your memorandum of the 15th instant. My yearly report was forwarded on the 9th July. During the last quarter of the year the " Stad Haarlem " arrived, bringing 223 immigrants, of whom 180 were for Wellington. At the time of their arrival there was no demand for immigrants, except at Patea. Nearly all were sent there, and I have every reason to believe they found immediate employment. My latest advices from the country districts say there is no demand for labour; yet several families and single men have been applied for here, and sent to the Wairarapa. I am pleased to be able to report that nearly all the "' Rakaia " immigrants are disposed of —the unemployed consisting of three families with young children, and two single men. With regard to those now on the water —viz., 346 souls per " Zealandia," and 310 souls per " Arethusa" (I hope that a large proportion will be nominated, and go to their friends), I think it may take some time in getting employment for so many, there being a large number of unemployed here. It may therefore be necessary to keep them much longer than usual, and to provide additional accommodation to what I now have. But, with the advance of spring, it is to be hoped that the prospects of tho unemployed will improve. At present there are only two rooms for married people, one for single women, and none for single men. The cooking arrangements are also very bad, but can be made to do for all the depot will hold in its present state. I consider that the new regulations requiring the payment of £5 for the passages of all males over twelve years of age were much wanted, and will have a good effect in reducing the large number of nominations that have recently been made, and be the means of preventing persons nominating without being certain their friends will come out. I may be allowed to mention that the " Wairoa " sailed from London with 246 paid passengers, of whom 167 were in the steerage. About the same time the " Zealandia" sailed from Plymouth with 346 Government immigrants. I have, &c., James B. Redward, The Under Secretary tor Immigration. Immigration Officer.

No. 8. The Immigration Officer, Auckland, to the Undei: Secretary for Immigration. Sir— Auckland, 29th September, 1879. Re your memorandum, No. 348, my usual report for the period ending 30th June last was posted on the 12th July. With regard to the probability of employment for the 261 emigrants now afloat in the ship " Waikato " for this district, I do not anticipate any difficulty, provided those who are described as " agricultural labourers " and " servants " are really so. I notice there are thirteen smiths in the list of trades to arrive by the " Waikato." Not having yet received the ship's book, I am unable say whether they are nominated or assisted immigrants ; but, if they belong to the latter class, their chances of obtaining employment at their trade are small. With regard to the new regulations, I consider them a great improvement, and that they will be a slight gain to the colony. Tho number and class of immigrants by nomination will be sufficient to supply all the requirements of the District of Auckland for many years to come. I have, &c, Edward Brophy, The Under Secretary for Immigration. Acting Immigration Officer.