3

A.—sb.

The shipping-officers and others engaged about the business of emigration, I presume, have been already dispensed with, in accordance with the instructions telegraphed to you on the 7th instant. The Government have arrived at this decision with much regret; but the exigencies of the colony and the determination of Parliament have left no other course open to them. The salary of the Audit Officer and the rent of his office will be paid out of other votes; but Mr. Hartwright will have to submit to the 10 per cent, deduction in common with the rest of the Civil Service. I have, &c, John Hall, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. (in absence of the Colonial Secretary).

No. 6. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 7th September, 1880. Paeliament reduced vote for office to three thousand. Eeduce secretary's salary to six hundred. Engage accountant, not over three hundred. Dispense with shipping agents. All other salaries, including Agent-General's, to be reduced ten per cent, from October first. That reduction made by Parliament all New Zealand salaries. Instructions will be sent by next mail. Vogel, London. Hall.

No. 7. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (No. 673.) Sie,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 11th August, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th June last, informing me that the vote for the department has been reduced to £4,000 for the year ending the 31st March, 1881, and requesting me to take such steps as will bring the cost of the same within the amount appropriated for it. I have, in my letter to you No. 342, of 21st April, and also in my letter No. 492, of 14th June, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, already stated the reductions which I am making ; and herewith I attach Schedule giving an estimate of the departmental expenditure for twelve months, which, after providing for salaries and office rent, shows a margin for contingencies, with respect to which I need scarcely assure you I will fake care and exercise every economy I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General. Estimated Departmental Expenditure for Twelve Months. Agent-General's salary .. ... .. .. .. 1,500 Secretary's salary .. ... ... .. 800 Accountant's salary ... .. .. .. 500 Clerk's salary .. ... .. .. ... 225 Clerk's salary .. ... .. ... ... 140 Messenger's salary .. .. ... 26 Office rent (less Audit Officer's room) ... ... .. ... 409 Contingencies ... ... ... 400 £4,000 The following salaries are charged against immigration : — £ Despatching officer .. ... ... .. 400 Clerk . ... .. ~ ... 200 Clerk... .. .. .. .. 65 The above do not include Mr. Sison's (Emigration Cashier, who leaves at the end of this month) salary, nor the rent of the store-room, which will be given up shortly Waltee Kennawat, 11th August, 1880. _______^»»_«_._«____- Secretary.

No. 8. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet to the Agent-Geneeal. Sie, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 24th September, 1880. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 673, of the 11th ultimo, stating the action you have taken to reduce the expenditure of your department within the amount of £4,000. My letter of the 10th instant, and the telegram of the 7th, will have informed you that Parliament has reduced the vote for your office to. £3,000, and of the alterations which the Government desire to be carried out in consequence. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Thomas Dick,