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No. 23. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Mihistee of Immigration. Sib, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 13th March, 1884. I received to-day your telegram of same date, directing me to stop immigration, except nominated girls, during the winter. You will have seen from my despatches, marked in the margin,* that I had already taken steps towards the object indicated by you; and, in obedience to your present instructions, I shall (after the people who are going in the "British King," " Aorangi," and "Victory") send only nominated girls until the steamer of July. There will, accordingly, be plenty of time after receiving this letter for you to give me any instructions you desire. In the meanwhile, I think I shall best carry out your wishes by beginning with the next season slowly, and not exceeding, say, 250 statute adults in July, and the same number in August. I have, &c, The Hon. the Immigration, Wellington. P. D. Bell.

No. 24. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister of Immigration. Sib, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 7th April, 1884. I have not yet given an express answer to your despatch of 2nd February last (No. 40), relating to the number of immigrants to be sent out during 1884-85; but you will have seen, from my letters of 26th February (No. 117) and 13th March (No. 151), that I had prepared the way for oarrying out your instructions : and I will take care that due effect is given to them. It was, of course, certain from the first that the vote of £200,000 would not allow of a stream of immigrants being sent out for three years, at the rate of 5,000 a year; and, looking at the period in the financial year 1882-83 when we began work, it seemed to me that I should perhaps best meet the wishes of Parliament by sending about 3,000 the first year, 5,000 in the second, and the remainder in the third. The proposal I made in my letter of 13th March, to cease sending people until July, and then only to begin with 250 statute adults in July and the same number in August, will allow of any further orders you may wish to give being sent me in good time for the rest of the financial year 1884-85. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Immigration, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

* Letter, 26th February, 1884, No. 20; Memorandum, Ist March, 1884 No. 21.

Authority: Geobgb Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.

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