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No. 9. Memorandum from the Immigration Officer, Hokitika, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. In reply to your memorandum, No. 618, of the 15th instant, I have the honor to state that 1 was not aware that the report for the quarter ended 30th June last was required to be rendered, as that period was embraced in the annual report which was made up to that date. I will forward a report as early as possible. With regard to the payment of £5 cash by persons nominating male adults, I am of opinion that the system is generally approved in this district by persons who are in a position to nominate relations or friends; and, also, it is a check upon other persons who merely make nominations without over considering the liability they put themselves under by so doing ; also that it is a very reasonable demand on the part of the Government; and, although the number of nominations made may be decreased, still I think that the proportionate number of suitable colonists obtained will be increased. W. A. Spence, Hokitika, 29th September, 1879. Immigration Officer.

No. 10. Memorandum from the Immigration Officer, New Plymouth, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. In reply to your memorandum, No. 648, of the 15th September, I have the honor to state, in reference to quarterly report ending 30th June, 1579, I have nothing to add in addition to what I stated in my yearly report up to that date. I will proceed to report for the quarter ending 30th September, ] 879 : There has been full employment for every one at good wages all the winter. A considerable number would find employment in this district at the present time —viz., at farm work, harbour works, road and railway works, also bush-falling. There is still a great demand for single girls as general servants. I am of opinion that the nominated system answers well, and ought to be encouraged. It is a mistake to put on £5 for each adult male. I find persons are not anxious to nominate useless people with a chance of having them on their hands. The line must be drawn somewhere as to ages. I have applicants occasionally wishing to nominate a very desirable family, but the father, and probably the mother, are just over age. The nominator invariably states he cannot become responsible for the passage-money, but is willing to assist them all he can on arrival. In conclusion, I would recommend that the immigrants allotted to this district should arrive in October in preference to December ; and, if it could be arranged, it would answer better if a portion arrived at the beginning of October, and a portion on or about Christmas. C. Stapp, Major, New Plymouth, Ist October, 1879. Immigration Officer.

Authority : Oeokge DiDSBrRY, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79.

Price 6«1.]